Staff at Royal Bolton Hospital have put an appeal out for any NHS equipment they have loaned out to be returned as soon as possible.

This equipment can include walking sticks and frames, grabbers, bath hoists, shower chairs and commodes, with health workers saying they loan out thousands of items each year.

Now they say that they need as many of these items to be returned so that they can be given to patients currently in need.

A spokesman for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “Have you recently been unwell and needed to use a walking aid or perhaps you have specialist equipment to help you at home?

“Maybe a loved one has passed away and you are sorting through their belongings.

“If you no longer need it don’t let it clutter up your house, return it to us so we can loan it to someone else who needs it.”

Walking sticks, elbow crutches and Zimmer frames can be dropped off at the Minerva Road hospital’s main entrance with patients able to drive through and park outside for up to 10 minutes and before leaving their equipment at the main reception.

Items can also be delivered at the orthopaedic outpatients/ fracture clinic entrance and at the therapy department between C/D block.