You might have been given a cast, walking stick, bath hoists, kettle trippers, crutches, or a wheelchair, to mention but a few, at the point of being discharged, but now you have undergone a full rehabilitation and are no longer in need of the equipment. mostly, medical equipment loaned can be sterilized, cleaned, and loaned to other patients in need of them. 

There are a couple of ways in which you can return the equipment loaned to you back to the hospital. A few of which are;

Reach out to the customer care of the hospital that loaned you the medical equipment. You can call the number on the barcode label on the equipment. In cases where the label is faded, or missing, you can go through your local service center contact. In some cases, contact details can also be found in any paperwork from the hospital left with you.

Return Instruction

Please call the customer services department of the hospital that loaned you the medical equipment to start the return process. You can also contact them for claim reports within 5 business days. Please note that in most cases, equipment returned in bad shape would most likely cost you a fine, that is if it was loaned to you not bought by you from the hospital. 

Items Not Eligible For Return

Certain items may end up being rejected by the hospital at the point of return. Items in the below conditions shall be rejected.

Items that are controlled will be rejected. Items that require refrigeration will be rejected. Hazardous items will be rejected. Items that are to expire in less than 12 months will be rejected.

Possible Equipment That You Can Donate

 Hospitals make use of an endless list of equipment on a daily. Here are a few of which you can possibly donate to any hospital of your choice. 

DEFIBRILLATORS

These are mostly used in cases of life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest. They help in restoring normal rhythm to the heart. 

HOSPITAL STRETCHERS

These are bed-like equipment with wheels attached at the bottom used to transport patients in the hospital, in times of emergencies.

PATIENT MONITORS

This equipment takes records of a patient’s vitals and general health condition, during and after a surgical process. 

ELECTROSURGICAL UNITS

These are used during surgical processes to cut open or alter tissues. Most often to limit blood flow to the area being operated on. 

Other types of equipment are; surgical light bulbs, surgical tables, gloves, syringes, needles, and anesthesia machines, to mention but a few. 

How To Donate Crutches To Hospitals

 If you have used crutches that are no longer useful to you or anyone else you might know, but need to get them off your hands, a great way is to donate them. You can donate your used crutches to a salvation army, goodwill, or better still, a nursing home. 

Donating in such places allows other people in need of this equipment to purchase them at a very cheap and affordable price, which in the end, benefits both the buyer and the organization. As mentioned above, crutches are not the only equipment you can donate. A detailed explanation was given on crutches because it is the most sought-after by people willing to donate.

Summary

Returning loaned-out equipment or even donating a piece of equipment you bought, but are no longer in need of is a great way to help your community and also save a life by so doing. it is a win-win situation, so what do you have to lose?. This equipment may longer be of use or value to you after recovery, but there is a patient out there in dire need of that equipment that seems rather irrelevant to you now. To help those patients who need such equipment, please ensure to return loaned equipment in good shape or donate equipment to any hospital of your choice. The equipment would be thoroughly sterilized and cleaned, before being loaned to another patient.

CAN BROKEN EQUIPMENT ALSO BE RETURNED?

In cases where equipment was loaned to you and not bought, a small fine might be levied on broken equipment.

WHAT ORGANISATION ACCEPTS BROKEN EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A FINE?

Medequip oftentimes accepts broken equipment with absolutely no fines attached to it! They sterilize and recycle used equipment and also amend and repair cases of broken equipment. You can contact Medequip to request a free collection. Alternatively, you can also return the equipment to your Medequip local drop-off point, or contact them via phone (+44 20 8750 1580)

CAN I REQUEST A PICKUP TO RETURN LOANED EQUIPMENT?

YES, you can.