Plea for more medical gear
People in Staffordshire have returned almost £7 million worth of medical aids to be recycled – but even more is said to be lying unused in homes around the county.
A county council run centre which refurbishes aids such as bath hoists and shower seats is just £33,000 short of reaching the £7 million milestone.
The Equipment Centre is calling on people to return any items they are no longer using, including grab rails and walking aids so they can be recycled, refurbished and eventually re-used.
A free telephone hotline has been set up for residents to contact the centre and arrange for the items to be collected.
County Equipment Centre manager Gina Pritchett said the current total stands at £6,967,000 and she hoped to hit the milestone by Easter.
She said: "One of our most requested items is a bath hoist.
"They cost around £500 each and we know that there are 3,274 of them out there.
"What we don't know is whether people have finished using them.
"If they are no longer required, call us on 0800 083 3177 and we will get them collected, refurbished and recycled so that someone else can benefit."
County cabinet member for health Councillor Susan Woodward said: "I'm sure that with the return of just a few more items of equipment that are no longer needed, they will not only reach this significant milestone in savings, but continue to help elderly people and people with disabilities live fulfiling lives in their own homes."
The value of equipment returned in March 2007 for each district stands at: Stafford, £8,481; Cannock, £9,482; Lichfield, £8,255; South Staffordshire, £5,414; Burton, £11,000; Moorlands, £8,000; Newcastle, £3,945; and Tamworth, £5,590.
