NHS Forth Valley's new recycling scheme for walking aids, which was launched in Falkirk, has proved to be a big hit.
The initiative has seen 846 aids returned to the health board since its launch around seven months ago, saving over £6,500.
It comes after two physiotherapists realised that there was no clear way for patients to return the aids when no longer needed.
Nicola Blair and Aileen Kelly noted that this was also stressful for NHS staff as they were often discarded of within clinical areas.
Meanwhile, many others ended up in landfill sites adding to the burden of waste.
Now, in partnership with the Joint Loan Equipment Service (JLES) and Falkirk Council's recycling centres, new drop off points have been created.
Items returned so far have included zimmer frames, pulpit walkers, gutter frames, elbow crutches and walking sticks.
JLES then organise the collection, safety inspection, decontamination, refurbishment and return of suitable walking aids via NHS Forth Valley’s Central Services Department (CSD) so that they can be safely reused for other patients.
The efforts have avoided an environmental impact of 5260kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Nicola Blair, Highly Specialist Physiotherapist, NHS Forth Valley, said: “We really appreciate the support of colleagues in local councils who have helped us get this recycling scheme off the ground.
"It’s great to see so many walking aids being returned and reused as this not only avoids waste but also helps save much needed NHS fund.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Environment, said: “This is an excellent scheme and we were more than happy to help out for such a worthwhile cause.
"Thanks to the staff at our recycling centres for their help and support in making this scheme a success which is now set to be rolled out across the Forth Valley area.”
In Falkirk, the recycling centres supporting the project are Kinneil Kerse, Roughmute and JLES.
For further information on the walking aid recycling scheme, please click here.
