Hi Julia, I work at another small DHB, currently equipment that is specific for an area/ward is funded by that area.
Single use Hovermats are funded by specific areas too but ideally I see this as an organisational cost.
We managed to get a separate budget for bariatric equipment. What we found is that we had to put together some work demonstrating the need for equipment so that the finance department could allocate specific funding for the following financial year.
Our bariatric equipment is stored in a central location and orderly request made for delivery.
Hope this helps.
Michelle