Thames Hospital is running a 'crutch amnesty' with the promise that there will be no questions asked if patients return their loaned crutches.
The hospital says that loaned crutches have not been returned and more crutches are needed for new patients.
The hospital's emergency department gives out about 100 pairsof crutches a year to patients suffering from conditions including severe ankle sprains and fractures.
About 80 per cent of borrowed crutches are not being returned, says Thames Hospital emergency department charge nurse manager David James.
Each pair of crutches costs $37.50 and, with stocks low after the busy summer period, Mr James says Thames Hospital would welcome any returns during the crutch amnesty - no questions asked.
Thames Hospital used to charge patients a deposit to borrow crutches, but waived that a year or two ago as accounting administration costs outweighed the cost of purchasing crutches.
"It's an honesty system with an expectation crutches will be returned when they are no longer being used," says Mr James. "We take details, and receptionists try to follow up, but the return rate has been low. We realise we will never get 100 per cent back, but 20 per cent isn't good enough."
A crutch amnesty last year ago got a good response from the public, and Mr James is hoping people will likewise respond positively this time.
Crutches may be forgotten, stored in a garage or wardrobe, or in the possession of holidaymakers from outside the Thames region.
"We are a holiday destination, and a long way from home for some people," admits Mr James. "After people have finished using them they feel it's too far away to return (the crutches)."
He encourages out-of-towners to return crutches next time they are passing through Thames.
"We really do appreciate getting the crutches back because people often really go out of their way. It's great because it means that someone else can use them in the future," says Mr James.
Crutches can be returned to the emergency department reception at Thames Hospital.
