Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals - Reusing Walking Aids

Case study submitted as part of Lancet Commission call for case studies.

Team members / location: Sophie-Mai Wilde / Yorkshire, England 

Issue: Walking aids have been identified as being in the top 20 of medical devices for carbon intensity therefore have been prioritised for reuse. 

Intervention: To introduce a reuse or return a walking aid scheme within the occupational therapy department. These walking aids can be refurbished which is more environmentally friendly. 

Outcomes:  

• Environmental - The “How to Guide Carbon Calculator” indicates that reusing a refurbished walking aid including parts replacement is on average 87% lower in carbon emissions than creating a new walking aid. Including an allowance for a 100km return journey from collection to refurbishment site. Significantly lower carbon emissions due to less walking aids being produced.
• Financial - Much cheaper to refurbish a walking aid rather than buying a new one. 
• Clinical - Improves quality of patient care in other areas as there is more money to spend elsewhere with reducing the cost of walking aids. 

Key learning point: 

• Making sure that the walking aids are safe to be reused.  
• Spreading awareness of this project around the hospital and within the community to ensure we can maximise the potential and yield of the reusing equipment.