King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust launches walking aids return scheme
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has launched a walking aids return scheme. This initiative will benefit the environment by reducing waste and carbon emissions while also generating cost savings and improving patient access to walking aids.
The returned walking aids will be processed by the Bed and Equipment Team at the King’s College Hospital site, where equipment will be inspected, cleaned, and repaired before being provided to another patient. Any walking aids deemed unsafe for reuse will be recycled.
The service cannot accept zimmer frames, wooden walking sticks, or personal equipment such as commodes. Crutches and metal walking sticks will be accepted.
The WRAP Recycling Locator Tool can be used to find locations to drop off these items. Set the filter to ‘walking aids’.
A collection bin is located outside the main entrance of the Golden Jubilee Wing at the King’s College Hospital site. King’s College Hospital asks the public to wipe any items down before bringing them to the collection bin.
The scheme aims to roll out to other sites over the coming months.
This builds on King’s College Hospital’s commitment to environmental sustainability as set out in its Green Plan.
Reusing walking aids aims to reduce the carbon footprint and waste sent to landfill. Manufacturing one walking frame creates the same emissions as driving for 50 miles.
If just two out of every five walking aids were returned, it could save around £40,000 and 30 tonnes of carbon.
Chief of Therapies, Rehabilitation and Allied Clinical Services, Kate Gregory said: “Walking aids often play a key role in helping patients recover from illness, build their independence and support mobility.
“Returning these aids will help us protect the environment, provide patients with the equipment they need, and save money which can be better spent elsewhere.”
Last year, Gloucestershire County Council launched a campaign asking residents to return any mobility equipment that is no longer being used.
