Medway Council has joined forces with Gillingham Street Angels in an effort to retrieve and redistribute medical equipment across Medway.
The community charity is backing calls to return unused council and NHS-loaned items, such as crutches, commodes, walking frames, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, chair raisers, kitchen trolleys, wheeled walkers, riser recliner chairs or beds (larger items can be collected – see details below).
Many people are able to recover from illness or injury at home, thanks to such items loaned by local Medway services, but less than half of the loaned equipment gets returned.
Together with the Street Angels, the NHS, and community group Medequip - which specialises in procuring and redistributing medical supplies - we are launching a campaign to gather unreturned items, which can be handed in at collection points across Medway.
Help get vital equipment to those who need it
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Adults Services and Public Health, said: “Once people recover from medical issues, they often no longer require equipment such as crutches, so we’ve set up dedicated drop-off sites across Medway, to make it easier to return items.
“Now is the perfect time to return any items you might no longer need, and help us get vital equipment sent out to those who need it most. I have visited Medequip and was hugely impressed by their efforts to recycle and repair items in order to avoid environmental damage and waste. Returning unused equipment in a timely way helps others who need it to access help as quickly as possible”
Help more people get support
Neil Charlick, CEO of Gillingham Street Angels, said: “This is a brilliant project to help more people across Medway get the support they need, and we’re delighted to help out. If you have mobility equipment you no longer need, bring it into our shop in Chatham or one of the three other dedicated sites, and help us help those in need.”
Drop-off points:
Medway Hospital, Windmill Hill Road, Gillingham - entrance near the bus stop in the hospital grounds (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Lordswood Healthy Living Centre, Sultan Road, Lordswood (7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday).
Rochester Healthy Living Centre, The Delce, Rochester (7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday).
Street Angels Charity Shop, 125-127 High Street, Chatham (9am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday).
All equipment will be assessed and thoroughly cleaned before reuse. You can also arrange free collection of equipment - if you have larger items or too many items to return yourself - by phoning Medequip on 01634 975108 or emailing medway@medequip-uk.com.
Broken items can also be returned under the scheme.