NHS bosses in Suffolk urge patients to return unused crutches and walking aids
Between October 2023 and August 2024 almost 3,300 pieces of equipment were not returned in Suffolk
NHS bosses in Suffolk are calling on people in the county to return any walking aids and crutches they've been given if they're no longer being used.#
It's as new stat show, every year, millions of pounds worth of NHS community equipment, such as crutches and walking aids are misplaced, not returned or thrown away.
In Suffolk alone (excluding Great Yarmouth and Waveney), between October 2023 and August 2024 almost 3,300 pieces of equipment were not returned.
Returning, recycling and reusing this equipment helps the NHS save money, and reduces the environmental impact of providing this service.
Laura Rawlings is business development manager for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT): “We know that residents across the county are generously wanting to support their NHS services and one easy way to do this is to ensure that any unused community equipment that you may have around the house can be returned to us.
“We’re coming up to Christmas preparation time, so this is a good opportunity to clean out your spare rooms, sheds and conservatories, where a lot of the equipment is likely to be stored and forgotten about. There’s no better time to have a sort out and help the NHS!”
The NHS says increasing the amount of equipment that is returned means that it can be given out to others, to continue helping patients during their recovery.
Once returned, these items undergo thorough cleaning and safety inspections, which mean these pieces of equipment can be used several times over.