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Several mobility crutches standing up in a blue box

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust urges public to return any unused mobility aids to support patient care

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The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is calling on the local community to return any unused mobility aids, including crutches and zimmer frames, to help ensure patients have access to essential support for their recovery.

Thousands of mobility equipment is handed out to patients in supporting them in their recovery each year, but only a small handful are returned. Last year, only 38% of all crutches and 15% of zimmer frames were returned. The Trust is spending significant amounts of money on purchasing new equipment to replace the equipment that was not returned.

By returning any borrowed or unused frames and crutches, people can make a significant difference on the well-being of patients requiring mobility assistance, while also helping the Trust save £70,000 each year.

Dom Hardy, Chief Operating Officer said ‘We are spending large amounts of money on purchasing new equipment to replace the lost mobility aids which are not returned to us. This money instead could be used on improving healthcare services at the Trust to help support our patients.’

How to return equipment:

Individuals can drop off any unwanted mobility aids (including zimmer frames, crutches) to drop-off points at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. These drop-off points can be found at Main Entrance Reception, Fracture Clinic (Level 2, South Block), and Physiotherapy East Building.