West Sussex County Council Appeals For Unused Care Equipment To Be Returned

People are being asked to return any pieces of care equipment borrowed from the county council which they no longer need, so that they can be used to help people discharged from hospital or enable people to remain living independently in their own home.

West Sussex County Council’s Community Equipment Service has issued the appeal so that it can boost its stock and improve availability for those who would benefit from them.

All equipment which is returned will help our colleagues in health and social care, who can use it to keep people independent, and safely discharge patients back to their own home.

The full list of items which can be returned, if no longer needed, includes:

•     commodes
•     perching stools
•     toilet frames
•     shower chairs and bath boards
•     crutches/walking aids
•     trolley walkers with clip-on trays
•     mattresses and cushions for pressure care
•     hospital beds
•     hoists

Jane Walker, Operations Manager – Independent Living, said:

“Mobility equipment and aids can make a huge difference to people’s everyday lives. It can give them independence in their own homes or make it easier for them when they go home after being discharged from hospital.

“We’d welcome the return of any unused items which people might have, but only if they are no longer needed. A health or social care professional will need to advise when it is safe for someone to stop using anything that they are currently prescribed.

“Please don’t send back anything that you are still using. You will have been prescribed this item because you need it and we would never want to put anyone at risk by asking them to return something before they have finished with it.”

It’s really easy and simple to let us know if you have equipment that can be returned. You can contact our community equipment provider NRS Healthcare by calling 0345 127 2931 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday or email [email protected] to arrange the safe collection of any items that are no longer needed.

All collection drivers will follow strict social distancing measures and all equipment is cleaned thoroughly before it is safely redistributed to others.

If you have a wheelchair on loan from the NHS which you no longer need, please contact [email protected]