Publish date: 5 June 2023
Now residents across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre who have walking frames, elbow crutches or aluminium walking sticks, issued by an NHS service, can easily return them at a convenient drop off location. The scheme not only helps future patients get access to equipment they need but it is also helping the Trust save up to £46,000 a year.
Currently hundreds of walking aids are being tipped, left to rust, or given to charity shops, it is estimated that this scheme will reduce carbon emissions that equal to 2,788 car trips from Blackpool to Brighton.
Walking aids can be returned to the following locations seven days a week between 9am and 5pm:
- MSK Outpatient Physiotherapy, Department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
- Lytham Primary Care Centre on Victoria Street
- St Annes Health Centre on Durham Avenue
- South Shore Primary Care Centre on Lytham Road
- Fleetwood Hospital on Pharos Street
- Moorpark Health and Leisure Centre
Kirk Raymond, Deputy Head of Therapies at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: “Walking aids are given to patients who require them by a range of NHS services, both based in our hospitals and in the community.
“This specialist equipment can be expensive to purchase new, and refurbishing used equipment can help more patients to receive the support they need and is an important aspect of the Trust’s Green Plan.
“Much of the equipment out there is exactly where it should be – with the people who need it most. However, we know there is also plenty which is perhaps no longer needed and may even end up in a landfill.
“We would urge people to help with our amnesty and drop them off at the above locations or use the postcode finder for your nearest location”.
