The provider of community equipment in York and North Yorkshire is rolling out its mobile exhibition unit – and appealing for people to return any unwanted crutches, walking frames or chair raisers.

Medequip, which provides equipment on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) wants to take equipment that’s become surplus to requirements and introduce it back into circulation.

Medequip’s North East Region General Manager, Steve Smith, said: “The NHS loses hundreds of thousands of pounds every year in the shape of crutches, walking sticks, bathroom aids - in short, all sorts of equipment provided free of charge to help people after accidents or to keep older people independent for longer.

“We are working with county council and CCG colleagues to try to bring more of this much needed equipment back into circulation. Most items only need a clean and a check over to be reissued to someone else in need of support.”

On 19 March, Medequip will park its mobile exhibition unit at York Hospital – outside the front entrance, next to the multi-storey car park. It will take equipment and after a thorough deep clean, will make sure it gets back into circulation.

It’s the latest in a recent community equipment “amnesty” launched by Medequip and commissioners and is part of a wider Return, Recycle, Reuse campaign in North Yorkshire.

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair at NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Most people that have equipment at home don’t intend to hold on to it. The majority of those that still have equipment items are unaware of how to return them.

“Here’s your chance to do your bit for the NHS and local council and return any items that may be stored away in your garage or cupboard and forgotten about.”

There are other ways people can return equipment that’s on loan from Medequip and no longer needed.

York

Medequip amnesty bins are located at The Archways in York and York Hospital.

Harrogate

Yorwaste’s household waste recycling centre at Pennypot Lane.

Scarborough

Drop-off points at Dunslow Court, Eastfield near Scarborough.

Knaresborough

At Manse Lane.

Northallerton

Friarage Hospital Occupational Therapy department.

Medequip will also pick up some items for free – call 01423 226240 or email north.yorks@medequip-uk.com

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