In January many of us set about de-cluttering our homes, so if you have any hospital therapy equipment lying around now is the time to give it back.

Therapy teams at the Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals are appealing for the return of therapy equipment so it can be reused and recycled for other patients.

Items needed include walking aids – for example crutches, zimmers and adjustable walking sticks – toilet frames and seats, kitchen trolleys, high back chairs, perching stools and bed levers.

Senior physiotherapist, Kim Coles, said: “If you have equipment you no longer need, please return it to us as soon as you are able. This will help us to help other patients to leave hospital safely.”

Equipment can be returned to the Returned Therapy Equipment Store at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, next to ED minors, or to the NRS Wallisdown Service Centre, 498 Wallisdown Rd, BH11 8PT. Alternatively, call NRS Healthcare on 0344 893 6364 or email enquiries@equipforliving.nrs-uk.co.net