The local NHS is asking patients and their families to return any unwanted care equipment this Christmas and New Year.

The NHS and Social Care loan out items including walking sticks, frames, crutches and commodes, but these can sometimes spend time gathering dust in people’s cupboards long after their use has ended.

Dr Tom Bertram, Clinical Director for Primary and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “If you have equipment that you no longer need, returning it can help support others to remain independent in their own homes and free up hospital beds for people waiting to go home.

“All equipment returned will be assessed and safety-tested before being cleaned, refurbished, repaired, reused or recycled.”

There are drop off points around Hampshire and Isle of Wight and you can also contact equipment service providers to request collections using the details below.

If you’re unsure where to drop off your equipment the barcode label should include details of the equipment store to return it to.

Drop off locations and contact details for collection:

Basingstoke - Hampshire Equipment Store (HES)

HES will only accept equipment that has the Yellow (HES equipment) label attached. Any items brought to the store without this label cannot be accepted.

Drop off:
Units 7&8 Hamilton Close, Houndmills Industrial Estate, Basingstoke, RG21 6YT
Monday - Thursday  08:30 -16:30 Friday 08:30-16:00 (Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays)

Request collection:
Call: 01256 476800 or email Integrated Community Equipment Services (ICES) ices@hants.gov.uk

Southampton

Drop off:
NRS Healthcare, Unit B, Centurion Park, Bitterne Road West, Southampton, SO18 1UB.
9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 6pm Friday (Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays)

Request collection:
Call 0333 240 8335 or email enquiries@southampton.nrs-uk.net

Portsmouth

Drop off:
NRS Healthcare, Unit E6 & E9 Voyager Park, Portfield Road, PO3 5FL
9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 6pm Friday (Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays)

Request collection:
Call: 0333 240 8334 or email enquiries@portsmouth.nrs-uk.net

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust also run a walking aid return and reuse scheme. They accept metal walking sticks, walking frames and crutches at their blue collection bins located at Queen Alexandra Hospital in the main entrance (A level, near PALS), fracture clinic (C level) and entrance to the Discharge Lounge. You can find out more on their website. 

Isle of Wight

Drop off:
19 Barry Way, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5GY
9am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday (Closed Weekends and Bank Holidays)

Request collection:
Call: 01983 528334 or email ces@iow.gov.uk

Items wanted:

• walking sticks
• crutches
• chair raisers
• commodes
• bed levers
• mattresses
• shower chairs and stools or perching stools
• raised toilet seats
• cushions
• toilet frames
• trolleys
• wheeled adjustable frames
• bath seats or lifts.