Wye Valley NHS Trust is urging patients who have been loaned walking aid items to return them as soon as possible if they are no longer needed.

Zimmer frames, walking sticks and crutches are handed out to patients to help them return home and maintain their independence following treatment.

However, despite the hospital’s best efforts to ensure these items are returned so they can be used to help other patients, many have gone missing and are likely to be languishing in the corner of people’s homes.

“Please check spare rooms, cupboards and garages for those items that you have been meaning to return and just not got around to,” said Wye Valley NHS Trust’s chief operating officer, Jon Barnes.

“These items provide vital support for those patients returning home allowing them to maintain their independence.”

Equipment can be returned to the physiotherapy department at Hereford County Hospital, or they can be dropped off at any of the county’s community hospitals or GP practices.

Anyone unable to return an item is asked to call the therapy services department at the County Hospital on 01432 372995 to arrange collection.