Whilst receiving care at one of our hospital sites, some patients will be issued with a pair of crutches, walking stick, frame or braces. In this section find out how to use this equipment and how to return it once you are finished with it.
What happens to walking aids when they are no longer needed?
At Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, we are working hard to reduce our waste and our Walking Aids Recycling Scheme prevents unwanted walking aids such as crutches, walking frames and walking sticks being thrown away.
In 2021, the Walking Aids Recycling Scheme team was able to recycle over 1,500 walking frames and 2,000 pairs of crutches that would have otherwise ended up in landfill sites.
If you have a walking aid that you no longer need, you can return it to your local Physiotherapy Department or one of our drop zones so it can be cleaned, refurbished and reissued to another patient.
We accept metal walking sticks, walking frames, crutches and three and four-wheeled walkers that are in good condition and can be reused. We are unable to reuse, and therefore accept, spinal braces, neck collars, knee braces or foot/ankle braces or boots.
Drop points are located at all Physiotherapy departments across the Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board, including:
At a glance...
Items we welcome back:
Items we can not accept (one patient use):
Please give the equipment, particularly the handles, a wipe with detergent to help reduce the risk of infection.
If you wish to return any other medical equipment as well as walking aids, please call Cardiff and Vale UHB Joint Equipment Store:
If you wish to return a wheelchair please call the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service on 02920 313 905.
If you require any further information please contact Rob Skellett on 01443 661759.
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