The wait is nearly over… National Recycle Week (17-23 October) is less than one week away! Participating in this week of activity is a fantastic opportunity to start or boost Walking Aid Return and Reuse schemes. Is your organisation getting involved?
Why take part?
In line with the Greener NHS Net Zero Report, achieving a 40% return rate of walking aids (walking sticks, crutches, frames) will help the NHS save a substantial 7.4kt carbon, save the average hospital £20,000-£46,000 and support safe discharge by ensuring the right equipment is available at the right time.
Device reuse and refurbishment is one of the operational interventions to reach a net zero NHS supply chain. Walking aids, such as walking sticks, frames, rollators and crutches, can be safely refurbished and reused repeatedly, reducing carbon emissions and waste to landfill and saving money. For example, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust saved £25,000 by achieving a 40% return rate. Increasing return and reuse of walking aids can also improve supply chain resilience, reducing the risk of equipment shortages which can negatively impact patient care and hospital discharges.
All of the key resources you need for Recycle Week to start and boost your walking aids return and reuse scheme
Walking Aids How-to Guide - Guidance to get started or improve existing schemes
Walking Aids Return and Reuse Planning Pack - For NHS staff involved in the procurement and distribution of walking aids to help them kick start or expand a return and reuse scheme.
Walking Aids Return and Reuse Communications Pack - Provides NHS staff, local authorities and local councils with key messages and pre-prepared materials such as posters to promote walking return and reuse schemes through your own channels.
Carbon Calculator and Reporting Tool - Measure and understand your success
10 Reasons Why Article - Kick start conversations with your colleagues
All documents can be downloaded from the Central Commercial Function CCF Hub (Only accessible to NHS staff). If you have difficulty accessing Futures please email england.ccf@nhs.net.
We have attached all documents if you don’t have access to the FutureNHS platform.
How can you take part?
Spread the word online
Share your participation on social media - Use hashtags #gettingitright, #GreenerNHS and #NationalRecycleWeek and follow us @GreenerNHS on Twitter and CCF on LinkedIn – we will be resharing posts on these channels during National Recycle Week.
Issue a press release on your website.
Share our resources through your newsletters and bulletins.
Track your performance
Report your performance using our carbon calculator tool
Send us your case studies
Share your walking aids drop-off locations
Submit your drop-off locations via MS Forms, we will upload to the Recycle Now website. If you have multiple locations, please submit a new form for each location. In addition, if you have a large number of drop off locations please let us know so we can share a spreadsheet template with you instead.
Return your walking aids!
Visit our postcode locator and find your nearest returns site
Use our pre-prepared posters in your local area
Posters can be found in our Communications Pack – send us pictures of you using them!