Residents asked to return old care equipment as council launch amnesty campaign

An amnesty on care equipment has been launched in the Scottish Borders with people being urged to hand in items they no longer need.

The Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership, working with council-owned social care provider SB Cares, hopes to recycle and re-issue the items.

Walking and bathing aids, hoists, adapted chairs, bed rails and wheelchairs are among items which can be returned.

Sandra Pratt, interim chief officer for health and social care integration, said: “This is an important campaign that will help us to reclaim valuable equipment that may be lying unused in people’s homes across the Borders.

“Being able to recycle equipment in this way is a sensible and efficient way for us to respond to the needs of our clients and patients and I would encourage everyone to play their part and get in touch with SB Cares so that we can arrange for items to be returned.”

Philip Barr, SB Cares managing director, added: “Our team do everything they can to ensure that unused items are returned to us but this is an opportunity for the community to help us to help others.

“Every item of equipment we receive will be assessed and, wherever possible, put back into use to help someone else stay able, supported and independent.”

Items can be dropped off at SB Cares Community Equipment Service at Tweedbank Industrial Estate or collection can be arranged on 0300 100 1800.