Appeal for missing hospital equipment

Kate Russell

Have you been hoarding a pair of crutches in your garage that you were given to you after that old knee injury? Well, Nelson Hospital wants them back.

Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough is urging people to return any medical equipment they have been loaned - such as walking frames, crutches, and shower stools.

Director of Allied Health, Hilary Exton, says for the year ending 31 March 2023, 4,541 items were loaned out - but hundreds haven’t come back. “On average, 100 items are loaned to patients every week - however, between five and 10 per cent of this is never returned.”

She says this creates a stack of unwanted replacement bills and Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough spent $16,542 for the year 2022/23 on replacing hospital equipment that has remained unreturned.

“Returning equipment lessens the need for us to replace equipment, leaving more funds available to improve health services for our patients, and helps us to ensure the correct equipment is available for other patients in need.”

Hilary says they are encouraging Nelsonians to take a look around their garages and storage areas for any forgotten equipment.

“Once a patient has recovered and the equipment has served its purpose, we appreciate the timely return of the item so that it can go on to assist more patients.”

Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough equipment can be identified by a grey barcode sticker, and/or by Nelson Marlborough Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy labelling.

Anything made of soft material like moonboots and elbow slings does not need to be returned, but all mobility, electrical, and respiratory loan equipment needs to come back.

Hilary says to maintain equitable access to medical equipment, a bond is not charged on any items, as this would be a barrier for some requiring care.

“All patients and whānau are provided verbal and written information of when, how, and where to return the equipment, and patients are contacted at the six-week loan mark to check in if the equipment is still needed, or if it is ready to be returned.” garages.

The return date can be extended if recovery is taking longer than expected. Returns can be made Monday to Friday at The Allied Health Store on Motueka St, next to Taylor’s Laundry between 8am and 4.30pm.

An 82-year-old great grandmother was among a group of 20 swimmers who took the plunge at the annual Blue Duck midwinter swim at St Arnaud on Sunday. Organiser Bill McEwan says the family-friendly event is quiet, small and natural. “Most of us share a love of our greater-than-human world, gratitude for life and a sense of fun.” The idea for the swim was thought up at a Department of Conservation staff midwinter dinner in 2002 and is now in its 21st year. At 600 metres, it’s the highest altitude midwinter swim in New Zealand. Swimmers go in at the East Jetty at Lake Rotoiti’s Kerr Bay as it’s away from the eels. “It’s a great opportunity to do something elemental. Nakedness is really bonding and if you get a group of people who are willing to be naked together, you know you have a fine bunch of interesting people to talk to.” Cold water swimming has been scientifically-proven to stimulate the body, increasing blood flow for major health benefits. Photo: Vicki Cowling.