Manx Care is on the hunt for unused crutches

Do you have a pair of crutches you no longer need?

Manx Care is on the hunt for them, amid an 'international supply shortage'.

The health body is trying to recycle pairs - so they can be refurbished and re-used by those who need them.

Officials say it’s 'difficult' to justify trying to source and buy more when they know how many sets are out there in the community not being used.

As a result, Manx Care has installed collection points in the following locations around the Island: 

North – Ramsey District Cottage Hospital (Minor Injuries Unit)

South – Equipment Hut at the rear of the Southern Wellbeing Centre, Thie Rosien, Port Erin

East – Noble’s Hospital Emergency Department (entrance), Douglas

West – Western Wellbeing Centre, opposite the large Shoprite in Peel

Lee Derbyshire, Manx Care’s Lead Practitioner for MACU (Minor Ambulatory Care Unit), commented: “We know that there are a lot of pairs of crutches sitting unused in our community – people may have been sent home with them and used them for a few weeks, and now they’re just gathering dust in a cupboard or surplus to requirements. If you’ve got a set and you’re not actively using them, I’d encourage you to please return them. Similarly, if you know of any friends, family members or patients who have a pair they’re no longer using, please encourage them to return these too. We’d really appreciate it!”