Un-returned crutches cost the Isle of Wight NHS Trust thousands of pounds last year.
The Trust has issued an appeal for crutches, and other walking aids, to be returned by patients who no longer need them.
The cost of one pair of crutches is just under £10, and in 2017/18 the Trust spent £11,505 on replacing and repairing equipment. The annual figure also includes equipment that was replaced due to general wear and tear.
80 per cent un-returned
For every 50 pairs of crutches issued to patients, only ten are returned. Crutches and other walking aids, including zimmer frames, are provided on a short-term loan basis to NHS patients.
Although the emergency department has not run out, it has run very low at times on available crutches.
Return your crutches
A spokesperson for the Trust said:
“If every pair we issued was returned we would only need to buy a few new pairs every year to replace those that have been damaged, worn out or to cope with increased demand.”
Crutches can be returned to the Emergency Department or to the Community Equipment store located at 19 Barry Way.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some additions by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Senior Living under CC BY 2.0
