'Zimmer amnesty' launched

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Scotland’s largest health board is encouraging people to return unused zimmers, crutches and walking sticks as part of a drive to cut its carbon footprint while saving money.

We are looking to cut down on nearly-new walking aids being left unused in peoples’ homes or thrown away instead of being  reused or recycled.

In the financial year 2018/19, the Board issued around £220,000 worth of walking aids including approximately:

• 11,000 crutches at a cost of £6.67 per pair
• 9,000 zimmers costing of £13.75 each
• 6,000 walking sticks at a cost of £2.60 each

Too often walking aids are being used once and then discarded at a time when people are becoming increasingly more informed on the impact of waste on the environment.

Allan Dodds, Allied Health Professional Orthopaedics team lead, NHSGGC, said: “We’re very aware that perfectly good equipment which could help other people is cluttering up peoples’ homes. 

“We’re appealing for people to return their unused walking aids to the physiotherapy depatments in any of our hospitals.

“We have teamed up with Haven Recycle, a local company which cleans and tests the almost new aids for us to ensure they are ready for someone else to use.

“This not only saves the NHS and taxpayers’ money which can be reinvested into patient care, it also supports our commitment to be an environmentally friendly organisation and encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint.”

ENDS