UHS launches annual walking frame amnesty in bid to get patients home for Christmas

An urgent plea is being made by University Hospital Southampton (UHS) for the return of walking frames no longer needed by people in the community – to help get patients home in time for Christmas.

The walking frame amnesty is being launched for a second year in response to a continued national shortage of frames which are critical to enabling some patients to leave hospital and return home safely.

UHS usually has around 60 frames available for patients but there are currently only ten.

Anna Howlett, specialist occupational therapist at UHS, said: “We are launching our walking frame amnesty for a second year to help us get patients home for Christmas.

“Something seemingly simple such as not being able to provide patients with appropriate frames could delay their discharge from hospital, this in turn puts additional pressure on the number of available hospital beds.”

She added: “This continues to be a significant problem and, as with many services, there is always an additional strain over the winter months due to increased admissions and reduced resources.

“The amnesty was so successful last year with more than 80 frames returned on the back of our appeal and we thank the public for their invaluable support. Now we are calling again on everyone who has a hospital-issued walking frame at home that no longer needs it, to arrange for it to be returned urgently.”

Returned frames need to be in good condition so they can easily be used again – meaning they are clean, not bent or fractured and there is no evidence of significant wear and tear.

The hospital’s Patient Support Hub is supporting the amnesty and people can contact them directly to arrange the return of frames by calling 0800 484 0135.

Alternatively, collections can be arranged with our volunteer drivers from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

If you are able to return your frame to us, you can deliver them to The Patient Support Hub office based in the main hospital on B Level, adjacent to the Feast Restaurant. This service is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

Infection prevention guidelines remain in place at UHS. We ask everyone who can, to change to a surgical mask at the hospital entrance and please do not visit if you have symptoms or are showing symptoms of sickness, coronavirus or other respiratory viruses.

To contact the Patient Support Hub and arrange to return your walking frame or arrange for a collection call 0800 484 0135 or email patientsupporthub@uhs.nhs.uk. Patients can also message through the My Medical Record app.