WASTE IN HOSPITALS

[newstart2380]

I recently returned a pair of crutches to the local hospital which took some time and effort (not complaining) to be told they don't want them back as they are used. These crutches were used for 2 days and although i respect that some may and I stress MAY be returned in bad condition those which are returned in pristine condition should be cleaned and re-used. Crutches and other similar items may cost in excess of $50 to provide so why not use them again where possible ?

[freddie*rooster]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:

That sounds very unusual. I agree with you, what a waste. Maybe the person you spoke with didn't know what to do with them?

and were too lazy to find out!

Whenever any crutches etc. were needed here, they were hired from the hospital for a small fee and returned.

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Did you ask why? Was this a big Hospital or a Country Hospital?

I wouldn't get rid of them, you may end up with a please explain letter.

I wonder if the person who would normally handle this was being relieved whilst she was at lunch, and the relief person was being lazy, knowing the missing crutches wouldn't reflect on her.

[cherry*135]

Are crutches made of aluminium (metal) now? If so, you think they could be cleaned.

Did you get them from the Physiotherapy Dept or some other Dept?

[newstart2380]

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@just_me_karen wrote:
Donate them to Vinnies instead of being angry and writing letters.

There is obviously a good reason if they're refusing to accept their return. Perhaps germs or OHS.

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I did not write letter ????, I took them back to the local hospital in good faith thinking they might appreciate me taking them back as someone else may need them and they could be sterilised and re-used.

Waste of my time and if I had known they were not to be used I would have left them in the carpark.

[amber-eyed-girl]

I wouldn't donate them until confirming they do not need them back.

give them a call and check, making sure the person knows what they are doing (as best as you can)

that will just take a little time, just to be sure.

I am surprised you did not have to pay a deposit, too. That is normally what happens...:( anyway, best to doublecheck in case you get a bill later.

[*mrgrizz*]

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@just_me_karen wrote:
Donate them to Vinnies instead of being angry and writing letters.

There is obviously a good reason if they're refusing to accept their return. Perhaps germs or OHS.

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has every right to be angry

if the hospital gives out 1000 sets a year at $100 each that is $100 000 per year

how many procedures would that pay for?

of course they should be re used

do we have single use operating theatres due to germs?

[boris1gary]

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@newstart2380 wrote:

I recently returned a pair of crutches to the local hospital which took some time and effort (not complaining) to be told they don't want them back as they are used. These crutches were used for 2 days and although i respect that some may and I stress MAY be returned in bad condition those which are returned in pristine condition should be cleaned and re-used. Crutches and other similar items may cost in excess of $50 to provide so why not use them again where possible ?

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very odd indeed, my younger brother just returned some to a local NSW hospital where he was required to do so.

[cherry*135]

I would think that if the hospital gives patients being discharged equipment (like crutches) to take home they would make it clear before you left the hospital whether they have to be returned or not.

[cosmosgrove]

 Ok, the comment I was commenting on was edited while I was commenting. 
That was odd, think I'll back out quietly now....

[newstart2380]

cosmosgrove wrote:

 Ok, the comment I was commenting on was edited while I was commenting. 
That was odd, think I'll back out quietly now....

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That's life LOL

[freakiness]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:

That sounds very unusual. I agree with you, what a waste. Maybe the person you spoke with didn't know what to do with them?

and were too lazy to find out!

Whenever any crutches etc. were needed here, they were hired from the hospital for a small fee and returned.

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Yes, same here.