Background GOSH has targeted 2031 to be net zero for direct emissions and 2035 – 2040 for indirect emissions therefore must do all it can to meet this. Walking aid re-use schemes have been introduced UK-wide as the products are durable, can be refurbished and reused repeatedly, reduce landfill waste and avoid carbon emissions from new production. The GOSH Physiotherapy Sustainability Team set out to; recognise what exists nationally, identify the current process at GOSH, then advance the provision, return and recycling of mobility aids.

Method The Physiotherapy Sustainability Team attended national webinars and contacted other trusts to establish current processes and potential barriers. To ensure safety and feasibility, GOSH sustainability and estates teams were consulted and cleaning guidance was sought through Green NHS. A Smart Survey was distributed to 99 physiotherapy staff with 23 responses.

Results At least 100 trusts already had a scheme and were able to share case studies and processes, including another London tertiary centre.

The survey identified 26% of physiotherapy staff ‘did not accept’ returned walking aids. Of the 58% who ‘always accepted’ aids, the management of returns varied; 10% placed them in the gym, 10% the basement and 37% said ‘other’.

Conclusion One quarter of physiotherapy staff did not process returned aids and processes for those that do were inconsistent. Following the survey we created a standardised pathway allowing physiotherapy staff to safely assess aids for re-use.

Next steps Education will be provided to all physiotherapy staff to establish reliability, with sustainability champions identified to support the process. Advice will be given to families verbally and via posters in waiting areas. Long-term aims include; audit to evaluate the effectiveness of the pathway, including return rate, the impact on patient care and the contribution to the trust’s sustainability pledge.