Protecting our planet

Recycling scheme can save money for NHS

Glamorgan Star news 01/10/2024

2 minutes read

I RECENTLY came across a brilliant initiative run by two local hospital trusts to reuse walking aids.

Walking aids play a vital role in keeping people mobile either after surgery or if someone has a long-term condition such as arthritis. Our growing and ageing population means that there is an increase in demand for this type of equipment, but often only for a brief period. Yet walking aids are designed to last and can be safely refurbished and reused repeatedly without compromising care or the product.

Reusing walking aids provide a range of environmental benefits. According to RecycleNow reusing a refurbished walking aid is 87% lower in carbon emissions than using a new walking aid! This can make a huge difference in reducing our carbon footprint as walking aids are one of the top 20 medical devices for carbon intensity due to their aluminium or steel construction.

There are also financial benefits as refurbishing walking aids, means that money can be saved as fewer items will need to be bought. Enabling money to be better spent elsewhere in the NHS. If just two out of every five walking aids were returned, the average hospital could save up to £46k per year.

In 2021, the Walking Aids Recycling Scheme run by Cardiff & Vale University Health Board was able to recycle over 1,500 walking frames and 2,000 pairs of crutches that would have otherwise ended up in landfill sites. This equated to around £28,000 worth of equipment yet it only accounted for 50% of walking aids issued.

Once a walking aid has been returned, it is thoroughly cleaned and checked to ensure it is in good condition and safe to reuse. So, if you or a relative no longer have a need for a walking aid, which is now taking up space in your garage or shed or gathering dust in the attic, there is some good news as there is a sustainable solution at hand.

If you have any of the items wanted, such as walking sticks (metal ones only), walking frames, crutches and 3 and 4 wheeled walkers, you can take them to dedicated drop off points. These can be found at physiotherapy departments across the Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board, including two in the Vale. CAVOC Outpatients Reception, University Hospital Llandough and the Main Entrance of Barry Hospital.

In addition, earlier this year Velindre Cancer Centre launched their own scheme to recycle the walking aids they issue. They have had an outdoor shed built so that patients could drop-off their used walking aids without the need to enter the clinical environment.

If you have a walking aid you no longer need, dropping it off at a dedicated location means you will be doing your bit for the environment by choosing to recycle and reuse and helping to save money that can be invested in patient care.

By Brian Mayne