RESIDENTS in County Durham and Darlington are being asked to check under their beds, in the back of cupboards and in garden sheds to return any items of unwanted daily living equipment.
NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Tees Valley CCG, Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Medequip are calling on people, who have been loaned NHS or social care community equipment that they no longer need, to return it to one of two supermarket collection events at:
· Sainsburys car park, Arnison Centre, Durham, DH1 5GD, Tuesday May 24, 10am – 5pm.
· Morrisons car park, Morton Park, Darlington, DL1 4PJ, Wednesday May 25, 10am – 5pm
Drop off are also available on week days at Medequip warehouse, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN, Monday – Friday, 8:45am-5pm.
All equipment regardless of condition, bent, rusty or scratched, and irrespective of who it was originally loaned to, will be accepted – no questions asked.
Items will then be given a new lease of life, in line with the NHS’s commitment to sustainability, to be reused by patients who need additional support to help stay active, comfortable, and independent.
Sarah Burns, head of integrated strategic commissioning for Durham County Council and NHS County Durham (CCG) said: “We estimate that there are over 100,000 items of unused NHS medical and community equipment taking up space in homes and sheds across County Durham and Darlington.
“This is a really great opportunity for people to support the NHS and social care by returning any community equipment they no longer use and help to free up some space in their homes.
“By returning items, either by taking them to one of the drop off points or arranging a home collection, you can help us safely recycle and reuse equipment ensuring that we can continue to support people who need it.”
Louise Nelson, associate director of therapies, at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), said: “We’re grateful to people who return equipment once it’s no longer needed.
“Crutches, for example, are very robust, have a long life and can therefore benefit many patients.
“Reusing them is also in line with our commitment to sustainability and saves money which can be used for other important aspects of patient care.”
Examples of equipment which can be returned include:
· crutches
· walking frames or sticks
· wheelchairs
· cushions
· commodes
Home collections can be arranged for anyone unable to access the supermarket drop of dates in May or for large and bulky items including, beds, rise and recline chairs, hoists, mattresses and bath lifts, by contacting Medequip www.medequip-uk.com/contact/newton-aycliffe or calling 01325 524531.
Walking aids such as crutches and walking sticks can be returned to CDDFT physiotherapy departments at all hospitals and community hospitals.
Any items of equipment that were not originally provided by the NHS or social care across County Durham and Darlington, will be passed onto the relevant organisations.