Staff from the Emergency Department at Scarborough Hospital are appealing to the public for the return of borrowed crutches which are badly needed for other patients.

Crutches are often loaned to patients when they are discharged from hospital to help them continue their recovery at home. Stocks are now very low because equipment does not always find its way back into the system.

Simon Etches, Lead Nurse for the Emergency Department at Scarborough Hospital, said: “We are aware that there could be a large number of unused crutches in homes and institutions within the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale area which is why we wanted to launch a public appeal.

“We have heard reports of crutches turning up at car boots and even at local recycling centres so we are appealing to people to search their garages, sheds and cupboards for unused equipment and to return any that are no longer needed. No questions will be asked, we'd just like them back so that other patients can benefit.

“When equipment is returned it is checked, cleaned, repaired where necessary, and made available to re-issue.”

Crutches can be returned to the Emergency Department (A&E) reception at Scarborough Hospital.

03 March 2014