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 ?

[ambercat16]

My OH broke his hip last October and needed a hip replacement. When he was discharged from hospital, we were supplied with an over the toilet chair, a shower chair, a height adjustable chair and a set of crutches - all delivered to our home free of charge.  

When he no longer needed them, we rang the hospital and they came and picked them up - except for the crutches. We were told that the cost of sterilising them is higher than the cost of replacing them so it's not economical to take them back. We donated them to the local St Vinnies.

We are in Darwin

[punch*drunk]

My grandfather had an electric reclining chair, a shower chair and a walking frame supplied by DVA, they took everything but the walking frame back.

Maybe its got something to do with items that are used outside?

[amber-eyed-girl]

Now that is interesting. It may well be due to what outbreaks are happening, in terms of sterilisation procedures that need to be followed In different places.

if they were crutches or any other equipment, you are normally told up front what to bring back, if you need to pick up and return.

makes more sense now that they were found crutches, if they were going to need nuking in that hospital.

if they didn't, then yes it is a waste.

without an explanation as to why we will never really know

[newstart2380]

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@am*3 wrote:

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?

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I did not get them from any department, they were not mine. I returned them to the local country hospital after they were left by a person who stayed for some months in our apartments, They are aluminium and in very good condition.

[just_me_karen]

Did you take them to a charity yet?

[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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who's writing letters ??????? and I was not making the extra effort of taking them somewhere else, I left them at the hospital reception and they can do with them what they wish. I don't have time.

[newstart2380]

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@am*3 wrote:

They could have come from any hospital then, not necessarily your local one. I wouldn't expect a hospital to take back equipment they didn't lend/hire out in the first place.

How do you know they were only used for 2 days then?

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They came from the locall country hospital and i returned them thinking I doing the right thing.

i know they were jused for 2 days because i know the person who used them, is that explanation enough ????

[newstart2380]

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@just_me_karen wrote:
IMO littering, by leaving them in a car park, would not be the best option.

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Who left them in the carpark ??? not me. Can't you read ??

[newstart2380]

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@freddie*rooster wrote:

If they were from a Hospital they would be marked with the Hospital's name.

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Didn't look but as we have one local country hospital it seems reasonable that is where they came from, don't you think ??

[just_me_karen]

In post 3 you said you were going to write a letter.

In post 7 you said you should have left them in the car park.

I suggested donating them to a charity would be a better thing to do.