National Recycle week sees hospitals encourage equipment returns

During National Recycle Week last week (17-23 October), a campaign was launched at hospitals across mid and south Essex to make it easier to return no longer used assistive technologies, such as crutches, walking sticks and walking frames.

Returned equipment was placed in large blue bins which was then collected to be cleaned and refurbished, so that the equipment can be given to new patients that need them, helping improve their recovery and mobility at home.

Emma Willingham, Therapy Administrator at Broomfield Hospital, said: “We’ve been running our scheme for a few years now but have now expanded it to Basildon Hospital as well, it is also running at Southend and Braintree hospitals.

“We know how easy it is for crutches to be put away in the garage or in a cupboard under stairs and forgotten about once patients no longer need them, this is your chance to have a declutter and recycle your old walking aids. Even if the items are singles, we can match them up with others to make pairs before getting them cleaned and refurbished ready for other patients to use.”

The returns will help make a difference to patients and the trust, meaning Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust do not need to keep replacing equipment.

Stella Walker, Equipment Co-ordinator at Southend Hospital, added “We currently get back about 20% of the walking aids that we lend patients, so we hope this campaign will boost those return numbers and that the blue bins will be a big help.”

Recently, both Medequip and NRS Healthcare encouraged the recycling of old medical equipment during National Recycle Week. Medequip stated that WRAP’s National Recycle Week is a good opportunity to boost return and and reuse which will help improve availability for patients, reduce carbon emissions and save money.