What are the barriers and enablers to sustainable and accessible redistribution of Equipment in the community?

Reusing just 2 out of every 5 walking aids, including crutches, could save an average NHS hospital up to £46,000 per year (NHS England, 2023)

As part of my MSc in Occupational Therapy (pre-registration), I am conducting a research study on the barriers and enablers to sustainable and accessible redistribution of occupational therapy equipment in the community.

This includes items such as walking aids, shower chairs and home adaptations. These are essential tools that support independence and safety, yet they are often underutilised or discarded when no longer needed or wanted.

I am inviting professionals involved in person-centred care to share their insights via a short online survey. This includes occupational therapists and OT students, physiotherapists and PT students, therapy assistants, GPs, community nurses, student nurses and care workers.

Your experience could help inform more ethical, efficient and environmentally responsible approaches to equipment reuse across health and social care systems.

Please feel free to share with colleagues and networks. This study has received ethical approval from the University of Winchester.

Survey link: Sustainable & Accessible Redistribution of Occupational Therapy Equipment in the Community: – Fill in form

Comments (7)

Su Davies • 3 days ago

This is such an important study. The findings will help to build the picture of the current level of waste and missed opportunities for re-use. Currently, charities intercept to benefit from what is heading to UK landfill and send some of it to projects overseas. They are at full capacity and unable to cope with the growing amount of items on offer. This isn't right, in my view, and Laura's project will help to inform us all.

L aura Knight • 3 days ago

Thank you Su, It is interesting to read the recent APPG report whilst also collecting data on the barriers and enablers to the sustainable redistribution of equipment from a cross professional perspective!

Rachel Russell • 3 days ago

Hi Laura. your research is really important. I work for Foundations the national advisory body for the Disabled Facilities Grant in England. Am I OK promoting your survey?

L aura Knight • 2 days ago

Dear Rachel,
Thank you, I am very passionate about this topic. My aim is to capture perspectives from a range of professionals involved in supporting patients with equipment, I would really appreciate you helping to share this more widely.
If you need any further information, my email is l.knight1.23@unimail.winchester.ac.uk
With all best wishes
Laura

Libby Corrie • 3 days ago

Hi Laura. What valuable research and I have completed your survey. There are so many factors influencing the return of (or lack) equipment. Do share your findings.

L aura Knight • 2 days ago

Dear Libby, Thank you so much for completing the survey. Its been a really interesting topic and one I am very passionate about. My aim is to capture perspectives from a range of professionals involved in supporting patients with equipment so your input is really appreciated.

Tim Ford • 1 day ago

This item was on our intranet (Norfolk & Norwich UH) recently Therapeutics Services, it seems very relevant

Therapies Team Special Award for Sustainability: Therapies have been innovating to support sustainability through the successful implementation of the walking aid recycling scheme with Norse and HM Prison Service. Laura Baker and Tazi Masarira developed the scheme and worked to overcome the many challenges in this project to implement a successful scheme with the James Paget University Hospital. Since January 2025 and after some recalibrating during March and April, the collective scheme has repurposed 898 walking aids, saving £12,100 across the two hospitals and the equivalent of 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – equivalent to 68 car journeys to London. Scaled up over the year this would lead to at least a saving of almost £30,000 and to the equivalent of 26 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

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