We are relaunching our Walking Aids Recycling Scheme

Health and Wellbeing
Written By Ceri Venners

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is relaunching its Walking Aids Recycling Scheme to help build on our previous success in re-issuing equipment to the community. 

Whilst receiving care at one of our hospital sites, some patients will be issued with a pair of crutches, walking stick or frame. But what happens to these walking aids when they are no longer needed? 

As part of our commitment to recycle and prevent unwanted walking aids ending up in landfills, drop zones for medical equipment have been set up across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan where unwanted items can be cleaned and refurbished by our Physiotherapy team support staff. 

In 2021, the walking aids service 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. This equated to around £28,000 worth of equipment but only accounted for 50% of walking aids issued. 

This year, with the help of our local community, we hope the Walking Aids Recycling Scheme will continue to provide a sustainable solution for unwanted equipment. By working together, we can help protect our local environment by choosing to recycle and reuse.  

This scheme also works in partnership with HM Prisons Probation Service, who provide extra support to clean and refurbish this equipment while also having the opportunity to take part in meaningful work and develop their skills. 

Drop points are located at all Physiotherapy departments across the Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board, including: 

  • Joint Equipment Store, Cardiff Business Park, Unit 2-3 Lambourne Crescent, Llanishen, CF14 5PW

  • Joint Equipment Story, West Point Ind Estate, Unit 5b, Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 8JQ

  • Physio Outpatients, Floor 1, Lakeside Wing, UHW, Cardiff, CF14 4XW

  • Main Concourse, UHW, Cardiff, CF14 4XW

  • Outpatients and Reception, UHL, Penlan Road, Llandough, CF64 2XX

  • Main Entrance, Barry Hospital, Colcot Road, Barry, CF62 8YH

  • Main Entrance, St. David’s Hospital, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF11 9XB

  • Main Entrance, Rookwood Hospital, 18-20 Fairwater Road, Cardiff, CF5 2YN

For more information about the, please visit our Walking Aids Service webpage.

If you require any further information please contact Rob Skellett on 01443 661759.

If you wish to return any other medical equipment as well as walking aids, please call Cardiff and Vale UHB Joint Equipment Store:

  • 02920873669 for the North and East of Cardiff

  • 02920712555 for the South, West and the Vale areas

If you wish to return a wheelchair, please call the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service on 02920313905.

 

 

Ceri Venners
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