People in the south with HSE healthcare equipment that they no longer use, are being asked to bring it to a collection point in Cork, so that it can be cleaned, recycled and reissued to other patients.

Equipment being sought includes wheelchairs, walking frames, bath lifts, commodes, orthopaedic chairs and nebulisers.

According to HSE general manager in Cork, Gabrielle O'Keeffe, as part of the medical card scheme, the HSE issues ‘a range of healthcare equipment to patients when prescribed by medical, therapy or nursing staff'.

"It is important that when a patient no longer requires this equipment, it is returned so it can be recycled and reissued to other patients who require it," she insisted.

She said that this initiative is part of ‘a national project in order to achieve better value for money and increased availability of equipment for patients'.

"I am pleased that Cork city and its surrounding areas have been chosen to be involved in this initiative, which has the potential to deliver substantial sustainable savings on an annual basis," Ms O'Keeffe commented.

Anyone wishing to return healthcare equipment they no longer use should bring it to unit 24 of the Doughcloyne Industrial Estate on Sarsfield Road in Cork on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, between 10am and 4pm, where HSE staff will be available to help.

Heavier equipment, such as beds and hoists, can be collected from homes by prior agreement. Contact HSE staff at (021) 492 8267 or (021) 492 8268.

The HSE is however reminding people that crutches cannot be recycled as their integrity cannot be guaranteed after even one use on health and safety grounds.

Ms O'Keeffe added that the HSE has a tracking system to ensure that equipment can be tracked and retrieved when no longer required.

"However, at times there can be a delay in individual patients and/or families returning such equipment when it is no longer required. It is important to note that healthcare equipment can be returned all year round to our store in Doughcloyne Industrial Estate, Sarsfield Road, Cork."