HEALTH bosses are appealing for patients to return nearly £500,000 worth of medical equipment that is sitting unused in people’s homes.

Patients who have borrowed equipment such as crutches, commodes and toilet seats from the NHS that they no longer need are being urged to return it so it can be used again.

The appeal is being made by the home equipment loans service operated by County Durham and Darlington Community Health Services.

The service, a partnership with the NHS, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, helps people to live more independently in their homes and assists carers by providing more than 200 items of equipment that can be loaned free.

The equipment helps to improve life for many patients by assisting them or their carers with bathing, mobility, toileting and manual handling.

All equipment is loaned free, including maintenance and where necessary, installation by trained staff.

More than 177,000 pieces of equipment are being used in homes across County Durham and Darlington. But many people who no longer need equipment keep them in their homes or even throw them away, placing a significant financial burden on the NHS.

Service manager Terry Fletcher said: “In the current climate, where value for money in the NHS is so important and our population is living a longer and more active life, it is essential that our equipment is being used by people who need it.”

Doreen Walker cares for her husband, Raymond, at their home in Shotley Bridge and has several pieces of equipment from the service.

She said: “We could not manage without the equipment, and it helps us to maintain our independence and wellbeing.

“If it were not for the equipment, we would need carers to come into our home to help me manage my husband’s care.

“It is critical to our day-today living and is a fantastic service that is free of charge.”

People with unwanted equipment are asked to call 01388-812812 or drop it off, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm, at Units 28-31, Enterprise City, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6JF.