Addenbrooke’s Hospital is holding an amnesty for patients who borrow walking aids such as crutches, sticks and frames and forget to return them.

“Over 1,000 pairs of crutches issued last year are yet to be returned. And each year up to £30,000 worth of walking equipment is never returned, which is a lot of money,” said Katharine Symons, Senior Physiotherapist.

“Our message is: don’t worry if you have equipment at home that you’ve forgotten to bring back – the amnesty makes it easy for you to return them and no questions will be asked.

“Remember that we could put walking aids to much better use back at the hospital.”

People can return their walking aids to the Addenbrooke’s Physiotherapy Department between 0815-1700 Monday to Friday, or Main Reception after hours, or to Boots stores listed below. There will also be an opportunity to return aids to the Physiotherapy Department on Open Day – Saturday 20 May, 1000 to 1600 – when fun and informative activities will be running.

Notes to editors

Boots stores participating in the amnesty:

  • Boots, Cambridge Retail Park, Newmarket Road, Cambridge

  • Boots, Grafton Centre, Cambridge

  • Boots, Petty Cury, Cambridge

  • Boots, St Ives

  • Boots, Ely

  • Boots, Royston

  • Boots, Saffron Walden

  • Boots, High Street, Newmarket

Last updated: 16 May 2006