This in from the Isle of Wight NHS, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is spending thousands of pounds every year on replacement crutches. For every 50 pairs of crutches that are issued to patients only 10 pairs are returned.
Brian Martin, Integrated Community Equipment Manager, said:
“Crutches and other walking aids are provided on a short-term loan basis to NHS patients and should be returned when they are no longer required so they can be refurbished and reissued to others who need them.
“There are currently 7,935 pairs of crutches which have been issued and not returned. If the majority were returned when no longer required it would drastically reduce the numbers of new pairs purchased every year to meet people’s needs.
“More than £10,000 has been spent purchasing new crutches over the past year and this is money that could be spent on other front-line services. Usually it is just a case of forgetfulness but we really need to have them back.”
Equipment can be returned to the Emergency Department at St Mary’s Hospital or to the Community Equipment Service located at 19 Barry Way, Newport Business Park.
