NRS Healthcare encourages Kent residents to return loaned mobility equipment
People in east Kent are being encouraged to return mobility equipment loaned by the NHS or Kent County Council through NRS Healthcare that they no longer need at dedicated drop-off points in Ashford, Canterbury and Margate.
This includes equipment such as commodes, walking frames, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, free-standing toilet frames, perching stools, chair raisers, kitchen trolleys, wheeled walkers, and crutches can also be returned.
The permanent drop-off sites are based at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent and Canterbury Hospital and QEQM in Margate. Since the scheme started in January 2022, more than 1500 items, worth more than £36,250, have been returned for reusing.
Allison Cannon, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The NHS in Kent and Medway is committed to cutting waste and reducing our carbon footprint. Reusing and recycling equipment that has been loaned to patients is one way we can save money and be more environmentally friendly.
People were also able to take the community equipment they no longer need to four of Kent County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) so they can be reused or recycled as part of National Recycle Week, which took place from 16 to 22 October.
Tom Lindsey, Customer Service Manager for NRS Healthcare in Kent, said: “This recycling project is very exciting for us and will allow for the community to community to continue to recycle and reuse equipment. These recycling points improve efficiency and sustainability, allowing us to continue to help serve the community and the environment at the same time.”
“If you have equipment you no longer need cluttering up your home or tucked away somewhere, now is the perfect time to return to a marked container at one of the main hospitals in east Kent. Or you can return it in the usual way by phoning the number on the sticker to arrange free collection.”
People can drive up to the drop-off points which are located at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, QEQM Hospital, Margate, and Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
To arrange free collection of equipment with a barcoded sticker, contact NRS Healthcare on 01622 235300. People are asked not to leave wheelchairs at the drop-off points but instead to phone Millbrook Healthcare on 0330 124 4485 to arrange free collection.
Mobility shops in Greater Manchester have been helping Stockport NHS Foundation and its therapy team in its appeal for no longer used walking aids to be returned so they can be re-used and cut down on waste by agreeing to be used as centres to hand the items in.
