Tauranga Hospital is running a crutches amnesty after spending $500 a week replacing those not returned by patients.
The amnesty is being run by the hospital's Emergency Department (ED) after those loaned to injured patients were not brought back following recovery.
ED Clinical Lead Dr Derek Sage says the funds used replacing the crutches could be better spent elsewhere.
He appealed to patients to think if they have any crutches which were inadvertently put aside and forgotten about.
'We are asking that the public return any redundant crutches that they have laying around to the Emergency Department; no questions asked and with gratitude for doing so.
'These crutches are being issued to injured patients, who are generally all expected to recover. So at some point they no longer need them and yet we are not having all of them returned.
'Most people just forget to return them and have crutches languishing in the cupboard or garage. I would ask you now to please just bring them in and drop them off no questions asked, we would really appreciate it.
'We can better spend the money saved by recycling the crutches on other healthcare provision.”
2 comments
Stop being so PC
Posted on 11-02-2019 12:44 | By Lvdw
Really? A crutch Amnesty? You obviously know who the patient is or do they stand on the corner and randomly hand them out to passing strangers. Stop being so PC and just send someone to track them down and retrieve the crutches. Surely that is cheaper than spending $500 each and every week to replace them. As a hospital asset it should be treated accordingly. I am certain one of the hospital volunteers would be happy to track down the 'offenders', give them a ring and a reminder.
Weak
Posted on 11-02-2019 13:41 | By Hugh Janis
You have the patient's details. Go to their house and demand the crutches back. If they do not return them it becomes a police matter. Stop being weak.
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