Running before they can walk! Hospital zimmer amnesty is a surprise success
A ‘zimmer amnesty’ encouraging hospital patients to return their loaned walking sticks and aids has been a success.
The West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust – covering Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Watford facilities – has thanked the press and public for their ‘fantastic response’ to an appeal for the return of borrowed equipment.
Michelle O’Grady, senior sister for children’s A&E, said: “Thank you to everyone, including our local press, for contributing to the success of our appeal.
“We’re delighted with the support we’ve received and we hope that the public will continue to return any hospital property they have on temporary loan, which is no longer required.”
Last month, 119 walking aids were returned, compared to just 41 in August – reflecting nearly a 200% increase.
Patients can still return walking aids or other borrowed equipment supplied by our hospitals by bringing them back to the department they were borrowed from.
For more information about the hospitals, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk.