Newsroom
Clear some space and help the NHS: Trust calling on residents to return unused equipment
We're calling on the residents of Suffolk to help the NHS and make a positive impact in their community by returning any unused NHS community equipment so others in need can use it.
Equipment such as crutches, wheeled walking frames and pressure care items such as cushions, mattresses and slings play a vital role in aiding people’s recovery and enhancing their quality of life in their own homes or care facilities but are often forgotten about when that person recovers.
Laura Rawlings, contract manager for the community equipment and wheelchair services, said: “We know that residents across the county are generously wanting to support their NHS services and one easy way to do this is to ensure that any unused community equipment that you may have around the house is returned to us.
“As we’re heading from late Spring into Summer, it’s a great opportunity to have one final Spring clear out. Please check spare rooms, sheds and conservatories, where equipment might have been stored and forgotten about. There’s no better time to have a Spring clean and help the NHS!”
NHS services suffer significant financial losses every year because of misplaced equipment, which also has adverse effects on the environment. Many of the abandoned or neglected items can easily undergo thorough cleaning and safety inspections, making them suitable for reuse and recycling.
To make returning equipment easier, we work very closely with Medequip, the company responsible for supplying community equipment to patients’ home. They have a dedicated telephone number and email address that residents can contact and someone from the team will come out and pick the equipment up.
There are also drop-off points at West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre (IP32 7BX), West Suffolk Hospital (IP33 2QZ), Ipswich Hospital (IP4 5PD) and Medequip (IP3 9RR) where patients can drop off their unused equipment.
Laura added: “You can choose to drop off the equipment at any of the locations listed or pick up the phone and let us know you have some NHS community equipment that is no longer needed. Medequip will arrange a time with you and collect the items completely free.
“Returning these items means the majority of them will be cleaned and re-purposed, resulting in them helping to support other patients in their own homes or residential homes in their recovery and everyday lives.”
To arrange for your unused equipment to be picked up, please contact Medequip via 01473 351805 (choose option 1) or by emailing suffolk@medequip-uk.com.
Their office hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Back to Newsroom