Ipswich Hospital patients can now return items such as walking sticks, crutches and shower chairs to on-site recycling containers.
The containers can be found at the entrances to the hospital’s South and Main Outpatients receptions and are provided by Medequip as an alternative to their home collection service.
They are designed to encourage people to recycle their equipment responsibly rather than leaving them in the hospital’s corridors and doorways or keeping them at home.
It is estimated that for every five pairs of crutches issued through the NHS, only one pair is returned.
Peripheral stores coordinator at Medequip Peter Miller, peripheral stores manager at Ipswich Hospital James Lander, and assistant practitioner Corrine Rousham.
Peripheral stores manager at Ipswich Hospital, James Lander, said: “At the moment, equipment tends to congregate inside the main reception at the hospital which causes a health and safety risk.
“Medequip offer collection on all items and these drop-off points are another alternative to ensure the equipment is returned to them, to be recycled or re-used.
“Using the containers will also ensure we keep the hospital clear of infections.”
Any item that goes in the container with the lid closed is suitable.
James said: “Bigger, bulkier items should still be returned directly to Medequip who will organise a date and time to collect them from your home.”
A spokesperson for Medequip said: “Health and social care equipment includes a range of products to assist independent living at home, including mobility and communication aids shower chairs, perching stools, walking aids and pressure relieving mattresses and cushions.
“A lot of this equipment never finds its way back when it’s surplus to requirements. It’s quite likely it’s just been put in the garage or in the cupboard under the stairs and forgotten about once it’s served its purpose.
“We are now calling on people to return surplus equipment to one of Medequip’s depot or deposit it in one of the two containers located at Ipswich Hospital.”
Alternatively, people can get in touch with Medequip who can pick the equipment up for free by contacting 01473 351 805 or emailing – suffolk@medequip-uk.com
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