Return and reuse of walking aids

The NHS spends millions purchasing 100,000s of walking aids every year. Walking aids are in the top 20 medical devices contributing to the carbon footprint due to the high carbon intensity of aluminium manufacture. The Delivering a Net Zero NHS report set the target of a 40% return rate by 2025.

Activity around walking aids reuse has expanded across the NHS system since the project began, increasing the demand for reuse services substantially. 58% of Trusts are now reporting a reuse scheme is in place with a further 35% looking to establish a scheme in the next 1 -2 years.