Staff are appealing to patients to return their crutches following a Trust shortage.
We are asking patients who have been given crutches to bring them back once they are no longer needed.
Around 10 to 15 pairs are given to patients every day from urgent care centres at both the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
But a significant number have not been returned, posing an issue to future patients who may need them.
Trust urgent and emergency care charge nurse Steve Rayner said: “We know that returning crutches is the last thing on anyone’s mind when they’re back on their feet after an injury.
“Historically, we have always had issues with a large number of crutches not being returned.
“We need the crutches for other patients so we’re asking people to please hand them in. Many will have stored them away and forgotten they are in the home.
“Please bring them back so we can re-use them.”
Upon return, all medical equipment professional cleaned before they are issued to other patients.
Crutches can be returned to the University Hospital of North Tees via:
- Main reception
- Urgent and emergency care reception
- Orthopaedic outpatients
- Tatchell Centre
They can also be returned to the University Hospital of Hartlepool via orthopaedic outpatients.
For more information about returning medical equipment, visit our medical equipment webpage.