Ealing residents reminded to return walking aids no longer needed – EALING.NEWS – The Voice of Ealing 7 towns

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Ealing Hospital, Middlesex Central Hospital and Harrow’s Northwick Park Hospital, is reminding patients to return the walking aids they need most.

According to the Trust, £40,000 a year is spent replacing equipment that is not returned. They say the walking aids could then be cleaned and recycled for others to use, which would help save money.

The appeal comes 18 months after the Trust first revealed the cost of not returning equipment.

In February 2023, Victoria Manson, lead physiotherapist for musculoskeletal and pelvic health at Northwick Park Hospital, said: “We have a shortage of crutches, frames and canes. This means it can be a struggle to get patients the support they need, which in some cases can lead to stopping discharge. Replacing walking aids costs tens of thousands of pounds a year.”

Mrs Manson added: “We would really appreciate it if people could have a check at home and return any aids they have. This will allow us to clean and reuse/recycle them for other people to use.”

Patients who no longer use their walking devices which include Zimmer metal frame, crutches or canes are asked to return them to Ealing Hospital – Level 1 Orange Wing, Physiotherapy department.

Only those walking aids are required as walking sticks and wooden dressers will not be accepted.