THE ROYAL Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is appealing for the return of mobility aids amid tens of thousands in costs for lost equipment.
The trust has released figures which show that returns rates for some of the mobility aids it provides are as low as 15%, calling for the return of equipment.
Last year, less than 40% of crutches were returned to the trust, and 15% of zimmer frames–fewer than one in six.
The replacement of lost equipment is costing around £70,000 a year, it reports, which could be reduced by the return of items given in support of recovery once no longer needed by patients.
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 South Block entrance, North Block entrance, and the Main Entrance Reception.
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.”
