The Tameside and Glossop Community Equipment Service are appealing for local people to return any items of care equipment loaned to them that they no longer use.

The equipment can then be made available to those who need it.

The appeal aims to reduce the challenges presented by supply chain delays and help as many people as possible to benefit from care equipment, which helps people to live more independently and reduce the need for hospital admission or additional care.

It will also help to improve sustainability and reduce wastage within the service.

The list of items, which can be returned if no longer needed, includes but is not limited to:

• commodes
• perching stools
• toilet frames
• shower chairs and bath boards
• crutches/walking aids
• trolley walkers with clip-on trays
• mattresses and cushions for pressure care
• hospital beds
• hoists

The appeal is only targeted at people who have care equipment that they no longer need.

Care equipment is prescribed by health care professionals based on individual requirements and people are urged not to give back equipment that they genuinely need.

Health and Social care professionals can advise anyone who is unsure if and when it is safe to discontinue the use of care equipment that has been prescribed to them.

Equipment can be returned by calling 0161 344 0482 between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday to arrange the safe collection of any items that are no longer needed.

Collection requests can also be raised online at https://rosscare.co.uk/pages/tameside-service-centre.

All collection drivers will follow strict social distancing measures and all equipment is thoroughly decontaminated and reconditioned before it is safely redistributed to others.