How can I get rid of the Zimmer frame, toilet surround and other paraphernalia

[MrsSchadenfreude]

That the hospital sent home with my DM when she was briefly discharged? The hospital don’t want to know - they said it will have come from an agency, and there will be a label on it. The only label is a bar code - no name of any agency. It seems crazy that we have all of this stuff and no-one seems to care.

There's still equipment that was issued to step dad in his garage - it's never been used because he refused to. Finding out who to return it to is another one on the long, long list of things to sort out.

Just type "return commode northumberland" or "return nhs equipment bournemouth" into Google and you will generally find the information you need.

I’ve emailed but no response yet.

I would ring them.

Our local area is planning an equipment amnesty with large collection bins around the county as there is such a shortage currently and ironically so much stuff never gets returned.
If it was from Millbrook or NRS it should have a sticker with a phone number on it.
Some hospitals do buy in walking aids and not have a contract with an equipment company. This makes recycling a bit more tricky but I know our local elective Ortho unit had a drop off point near the front door.
I have to say that the stickers are often put in the stupidest places so you have to turn the equipment upside down to read label but for all those of you with bits in the garage etc, please try and return it.

Am sure you could google it . Our local hospice charity takes all of these items . Local care home is a good shout.

It seems as though you're sorted, but yes, occupational therapy will have ordered it. My late husband's stuff was ordered by them but delivered by Millbrook. When sadly no longer needed, the district nurse arranged for.Millbrook to come to collect it.

put your postcode in here and it'll tell you if anyone collects in your area, or the nearest hospital to drop them at

www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/walking-aids

Round here (not too far from Reading) it would be NRS you need
Call them with an address, they are really helpful

@Munchyseeds2

That has already been suggested several times!

We have advertised stuff on local FB group, Free Cycle and local Whats Ap.People were very grateful for it. Similarly it’s how we got a walker and a wheelchair for my mother. It seems criminal that the NHS don’t collect stuff and reuse.

NRS got back to me and said it needs to go back to the hospital as it came with my Mum from the hospital. The hospital are adamant that they won’t take it back and it belongs to NRS. I was at the house today and the Zimmer frame and toilet surround have NRS labels on them. So I’m going round in circles now.

Medequip cover a lot of areas, whereabouts are you?

@MrsSchadenfreude, unfortunately NRS are known for not collecting equipment for aeons. It's a long shot, but can you find out the original order number? If you don't know it, they should be able to tell you, by using your DM's details. If you can get it, I would think they would have to collect it.

Have name changed.

I work in the locality and we give out leaflets with the NRS return information on.

I can't believe they're recommending returning to RBH. There isn't a dirty store anymore. We used to collect equipment in massive bags and bring it back in our cars but those days are gone.

There will be a PUK code on the barcode label. If you call NRS they can tell you the prescriber (and phone number). You can then call the prescriber and they can raise a collection.

I can do this online if someone asks me (nicely )

@zimmerreturn thank you! Unfortunately I don’t live in U.K. and am flying home tomorrow, but will be back in a couple of weeks. Would it be OK if I messaged you then with the PUK code please? Two pieces of the equipment do have NRS bar codes, but one just has a label on it with my Mum’s name. I can probably get a local friend to drop it off, if I can find out where it’s supposed to go!

Sure. Please try one more thing first. Call NRS and ask for prescriber details just with her name and address. Try and call prescriber. If no luck message me and I'll do it next week

Oh nobody should be taking it anywhere btw. It's down to NRS to collect.

NRS doesn't supply equipment everywhere.

They supplied the OPs Mum so they are responsible for that.

Try the Red Cross.

When my mum passed we gave her equipment to a charity shop. It was sent to the Ukraine.

Hi @MrsSchadenfreude I was thinking I need to retract my offer to raise collection via NRS. I'd need your Mums details and I could be anyone!

So - call them on the number that's on the equipment. If they won't raise collection ask for the prescriber details so you can call them/their team directly. Good luck

@zimmerreturn no problem and thank you for your help!

A set of crutches or a Zimmer frame costs the NHS about £6 because they buy in bulk.

If they were to take returns they would need

1. someone to take the 'drop off'

2. someone to clean the item + cleaning materials

3. someone to test the item is still safe to use

4. somewhere to store it

It's actually cheaper to just hand out new ones.