West Suffolk residents urged to return unused NHS equipment
They're looking for items like crutches, wheeled walking frames and cushions
West Suffolk residents are being urged to return unused NHS equipment, so others in their community can use it.
The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) is calling on former patients to give back equipment such as crutches, wheeled walking frames and pressure care items such as cushions, mattresses and slings.
The Trust says equipment like the above play a vital role in aiding people’s recovery and enhancing their quality of life in their own homes or care facilities but are often forgotten about when that person recovers.
Laura Rawlings, contract manager for the community equipment and wheelchair services at WSFT, said: “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 is returned to us.
“As we’re heading from late Spring into Summer, it’s a great opportunity to have one final Spring clear out. Please check spare rooms, sheds and conservatories, where equipment might have been stored and forgotten about. There’s no better time to have a Spring clean and help the NHS!”
The NHS says it suffers significant financial losses every year because of misplaced equipment - which also has adverse effects on the environment.
The WSFT work with Medequip, the company responsible for supplying community equipment to patients’ home to help people return unused equipment.
They have a dedicated telephone number and email address that residents can contact and someone from the team will come out and pick the equipment up.
There are also drop-off points at West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre (IP32 7BX), West Suffolk Hospital (IP33 2QZ), Ipswich Hospital (IP4 5PD) and Medequip (IP3 9RR).
Laura added: “You can choose to drop off the equipment at any of the locations listed or pick up the phone and let us know you have some NHS community equipment that is no longer needed. Medequip will arrange a time with you and collect the items completely free.
“Returning these items means the majority of them will be cleaned and re-purposed, resulting in them helping to support other patients in their own homes or residential homes in their recovery and everyday lives.”