WARRINGTON Hospital has issued a plea for former patients to return their unused crutches and walking sticks.

In the past year, almost 4,700 walking aids have been issued by Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at a cost of nearly £47,000.

Hundreds of pairs of crutches and walking sticks are not returned to the trust after being issued to patients suffering from temporary mobility issues through breaks and sprains.

Beginning next month, the trust will launch a walking aid amnesty in a bid to have this equipment returned in order to help other patients.

It is hoped that this will help to reduce waste and save money, with funds going directly back into the hospital’s services and facilities.

Julie Blackburn, team lead physiotherapist at Warrington Hospital, said: “We know that returning crutches or other equipment is the last thing on anyone’s mind when they’re back on their feet again and getting better.

“However, we feel it’s worth reminding people to just have a look around and ask them to hand crutches and metal sticks back in to the hospital if they are no longer needed.

“The amnesty will give people the chance to clear out the crutches that have been cluttering their home for months and will help replenish our stocks.”

From Friday, September 1, walking aids in a good condition can be dropped off daily between 8am and 8pm at the League of Friends helpdesk in the main entrance and the A&E reception area at Warrington Hospital.

Equipment can also be left at the Cheshire and Merseyside Treatment Centre in Runcorn or the Healthcare Resource Centre in Widnes.