Appeal to boost council care equipment reuse

Beds and bath seats gathering dust in Croydon attics could be reused and save taxpayers’ money under a council appeal for more people to return loaned mobility gear.

Last year the council helped 6,930 residents live at home after hospital treatment by lending 24,165 pieces of care equipment, from zimmer frames to chairs and mobility hoists. Without this equipment, many of these people would have stayed longer in hospital.

Over 80% of returned equipment is reused, and now the council is encouraging more residents to double check if they have items they no longer need. All returned equipment is deep cleaned, reconditioned and safety tested ready for others to use.

The council hopes to save money by encouraging people to return as much equipment as possible, as reusing is cheaper than buying new, and it’s better for the environment. On average, each patient receives three pieces of home care equipment, and reusing just 10 top-of-the-range beds would save over £50,000.

A similar recent joint appeal from the council and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust to local care homes brought savings of around £300,000.

Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care, said: “At a time of squeezed council budgets we’re doing all we can to meet rising demand for adult social care and give our residents excellent value for money, so this appeal really matters.

“Even if you have just a walking stick that is no longer needed lying forgotten in your attic, we can recondition it for someone who does need it and also save taxpayers’ money.”

Portable items like walking sticks can be returned to Croydon Equipment Solutions Ltd, 28 Boulogne Road, Croydon CR0 2QT.

To arrange collection for larger items like beds or hoists, call 020 8664 8860 (press option 1) or email: admin@croydon-equipment-solutions.com

2015-12-16T14:30:36+00:00 December 16th, 2015|Recent news|