Concerns have been raised over the dumping of several crutches in an Oxfordshire village amid suggestions they should be returned to the NHS.

A householder near the recycling tip in Ardley, which lies just north of Bicester, noticed "probably 20 pairs or crutches" in an industrial bin.

The concerned onlooker, who did not wish to be named, said: "Maybe people assume medical equipment can't be re-used, but the NHS does want them back.

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"They can be steam-cleaned and re-issued so please return them if you can."

A message sent out on the NHS website in relation to 'equipment required due to Covid-19' previously suggested the authority did want the equipment back.

Crutches were spotted in Ardley.Crutches were spotted in Ardley. (Image: Contribution.)

It said: "Much of this equipment could be recycled and reused.

"Please have a look around your house, or the house of the people you care for."

But some householders have claimed the NHS is does not always accept back equipment.

Sammie Little said: "My son broke his foot in December and was given a massive black boot.

"When it was time to go without, I asked at the trauma clinic if they wanted it and he said no keep it as they only bin them as rules changed since Covid."

Ardley.Ardley. (Image: Google Maps.)

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "If people have an item provided to them by the NHS or other healthcare provider, we would advise them to contact them in the first instance about returning them."

We have contacted the NHS for comment.

 

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi