Returning walking aids - drop off points

If you have used one of our walking aids (crutches, zimmer frames, walking sticks), please return them when you no longer need them.

How to return equipment

Returning the equipment has never been easier. We now have quick and easy-to-access drop off points at:

• Entrance 8, Sunderland Royal Hospital
• Ingham Wing entrance, South Tyneside District Hospital

Returned walking aids will be checked and cleaned by trained staff. The walking aids are then safe to be re-used.

Why recycle walking aids?

• It will improve access – we can get equipment to patients quicker if we have them readily available rather than having to order new ones. 
• It will help the environment - walking aids are built to last. Lots of energy is used in making aluminium. Re-using a walking aid is around 98% lower in carbon emissions than using a new one.  
• It will reduce costs – New walking aids cost South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust £50,000 over two years. Re-using equipment will help us to save money that can be used on patient care.

Did you know? 

• Walking aids such as crutches, zimmer frames, and walking sticks are in the top 20 medical equipment for carbon emissions 
• Making just one aluminium zimmer frame is the same as…
  • Driving a petrol car 111 miles
  • 15 fire extinguishers
  • 30 bags of sugar 
• Making 33 new crutches uses carbon emissions as big as a double decker bus