Walking aid recycling programme launches at George Eliot

There are now five drop-off points where people can leave their unused walking aids.

George Eliot Hospital has launched a recycling programme to reuse walking aids.

As part of the programme, the Trust has partnered with healthcare and community providers throughout Nuneaton and Bedworth to open five drop-off points where people can leave their unused walking aids.

Currently, 11% of crutches and 25% of walking sticks given out by the Trust are returned and reused or recycled.

George Eliot’s Chief Strategy, Improvement and Partnerships Officer, Jenni Northcote, said: “Giving back unused equipment will provide vital help to people who need this equipment and also help us reduce our costs and environmental impact.”

“Having timely access to a walking aid such as crutches or a walking stick can make a huge difference to patients, helping them maintain their independence.

“We encourage patients to support us and return equipment that is no longer required to be recycled or re-used.

The hospital wants to reduce the number of aids going to landfill.

Returned equipment will be collected weekly and cleaned and refurbished before being given to other patients who need it.

Patients can return equipment to:

• George Eliot Hospital Rehabilitation building, main entrance and A&E.

• Jubilee Centre, Nuneaton Greenmoor Rd, Nuneaton CV10 7EZ

• Pingles Leisure Centre, Avenue Rd, Nuneaton CV11 4LX

• Bedworth Leisure Centre, Coventry Rd, Bedworth CV12 8NN

• Arbury Medical Centre, 6 Cambridge Dr, Stockingford, Nuneaton CV10 8LW