Regional Environmental Control Equipment Service

Regional Environmental Control Equipment Service (RECES)

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Part of the NHS, RECES is a regional service that provides environmental controls and other IT-based solutions to people who have a long-term, limiting condition and could benefit from accessible ways to control aspects of their environment.

Equipment is provided free of charge on a long term loan basis.
 

What is an Environmental Control System?

This is a portable electronic control box which uses wireless signals to control home appliances remotely by means of an accessible controller. The system may be hand-held, mounted onto a desk, wheelchair or the floor.

Accessible controls include special keypads and a range of switches, which can be activated by hand, foot, mouth, head or eye movement. Some require very little movement or pressure to activate them. Control by voice it is also possible.

Depending on the assessed needs of the user, the environmental control system can range from carrying out a few simple functions, to more complex operations involving multiple appliances.
 

Environmental control functions can include:

• Pagers to call for help
• Door and window controls
• Front door intercom and access
• Hands-free telephone use
• Television, DVD and other media devices
• Lighting and plug-in electrical appliances
• Heating systems
• Reclining beds and chairs
 

Access to a computer

For people who are unable to control their computer in a conventional way, with a keyboard, trackpad or mouse, access devices and adaptations can help, including:

• Keyboards with an alternative layout
• Alternative mice, for example trackball, joystick or touchpad, head-tracking or eye-gaze
• Additional accessibility software: on-screen keyboards, word prediction, speech recognition

Please note that computer operating systems also come with inbuilt accessibility settings, which may make it possible to use without expensive adaptations or access equipment.
 

Who is eligible to be provided with Environmental Controls?

RECES can provide environmental control equipment to people of any age who have a limiting physical condition. The equipment can help to alleviate or compensate for an injury or impairment, and can also maintain or increase independence. The general criteria are:

• the user has a long term and substantial disability, whether caused by disease, injury or congenital condition.
• the user has the necessary abilities and motivation to operate the equipment satisfactorily.
• they are able to operate the equipment independently.
• other simpler or more cost-effective solutions are not suitable.

These criteria are guidelines only. Each case is assessed on an individual basis. People with a rapidly deteriorating condition and those who live alone or are left alone for long periods are often considered high priority.
 

Who pays for the equipment and service?

The environmental control equipment is provided on loan, free of charge to the individual for their own use at home. Funding includes the cost of training in use of the equipment, as well as service and maintenance, to cover any problems that may arise with it. If an individual’s needs and circumstances change, additional functions can be added and adjustments made.

Funding is limited, so those with the most substantial long-term needs or a rapidly deteriorating condition are prioritised. There are expenses which won’t be covered by RECES, including ancillary equipment such as door, window or curtain openers, telecare equipment, specialist seating, standard computer equipment.

If the environmental controls require building adaptations, joinery work or minor adaptations, such as additional phone lines or electrical sockets, these will not be covered, so other sources of funding must be sought. In rented accommodation, permission from the landlord may be required for any adaptations.
 

How to get referred to RECES?

Referrals can be made by health and social care professionals including your GP, a specialist consultant, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or specialist nurse. Charity support workers may also refer clients.

Each RECES covers a large geographical area, and has its own referral procedure.

A full assessment of needs will be made following referral, usually at the user’s home.

Once the equipment has been prescribed and installed, its use will be reviewed on a yearly basis, or more frequently if the patient has a condition where their needs are changing rapidly.
 

Regional Environmental Control Service Contacts

North Thames & Herts (RECES):
• Email: thh-tr.RECES@nhs.net
• North Thames (NELFT): Tel: 0300 555 1049

Environmental Control Service for North Thames (RECES)

We cover North London, Hertfordshire and Essex

Essex and Outer NE London (RECES):
• Email: reces@nelft.nhs.uk
• Tel: 0300 555 1049
• Address: Mayflower Community Hospital, Blunts Wall Road, CM12 9SA

North East & North Cumbria (Regional Environmental Control Systems Service):
• Email: walkergatepark@ntw.nhs.uk
• Tel: 01434 612 710
• Address: Chad House, Corbridge Road, Hexham, NE46 1QJ [1]

North East and North Cumbria (CNTW):
• Tel: 01434 612 710,
• Email: RECSAdmin@cntw.nhs.uk

South West (AWP):
• Email: awp.carsteam@nhs.net / awp.asccteam@nhs.net
• Tel: 0300 555 0224

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust:
• Email: uhd.environmentalcontrolservice@nhs.net
• Tel: 03000 19 5278

NHS England: For general inquiries: 0300 311 22 33

Scotland

Southeast Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology (SMART):
Professional referrals only
• Email: LOTH.SmartReferrals@nhs.scot
• Tel: 0131 537 9177 (option 6) or 0131 537 9423 (no keypad use required)

NHS Highland (Scotland):
• Email: nhsh.environmentalcontrol@nhs.scot
• Tel: 01463 704167

Wales

The National Centre for Electronic Assistive Technology (NCEAT) at Rookwood Hospital, Cardiff, provides specialised environmental control services across Wales, enabling individuals with severe physical disabilities to control home appliances (e.g., doors, lights, intercoms, entertainment) through specialised equipment. The service conducts assessments and loans equipment to promote independence.
 

Key Regional Services in Wales:

National Centre for Electronic Assistive Technology (NCEAT): Located at Rookwood Hospital, Llandaff, Cardiff (part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board).

Contact Information:
• Phone: 029 2031 3976 (Environmental Control)
• Email: info.eat@wales.nhs.uk.
Scope: Services cover the South East Wales region, including Aneurin Bevan, Cardiff and Vale, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Boards, and Velindre University NHS Trust, with considerations for neighbouring areas.
 

Service Overview:

• Purpose: Helps people with complex physical needs (e.g., MS, MND, spinal injury) operate devices independently.
• Equipment: Includes telephone access, TV control, intercoms, door openers, and emergency pagers.
• Process: Access includes assessment at the user’s home by specialists and follow-up maintenance.
• Referrals: Referrals can be made by health professionals (therapists, doctors) or in some cases self-referral.
 

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Further reading and resources

The My Computer My Way website from AbilityNet can help with setting up a standard computer for easier access (external link will open in a new browser tab or window).

We have an area of Independent Living dedicated to home automation

Easylink UK has a range of access solutions

Medpage alarms and alerts can be found here

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