MORE than 100 items of vital equipment have been returned to Southampton General Hospital, following a campaign by the Daily Echo.

Nearly 40 walking frames, 50 pairs of crutches, together with an assortment of walking sticks have been collected after we revealed the hospital was facing an equipment crisis.

Former patients jammed hospital phone lines to arrange collection of everything from high toilet seats to pain control machines.

The equipment has had an immediate impact on the wards, where some frail patients were having to remain in wheelchairs while new crutches were ordered.

Linda Burgess, a senior nurse in the orthopaedics department, said: "The response has been brilliant. It's amazing to see the equipment room so full - it's made such a difference.

"As soon as the walking frames came in they were put to good use. They have been like gold dust.

"But this is just the tip of the iceberg. We are still appealing for the return of hundreds of other items."

Worried staff contacted the Daily Echo earlier this month to say the problem was costing the cash-strapped ortho-paedics department around £10,000 a year.

Some of the nurses had even seen NHS crutches and walking sticks on sale at car boot sales.

"Most of the people who called us were former patients who had transport problems, or those who had just forgotten they had the equipment.

"We're very grateful to them for calling. There's no need to be embarrassed - we just need it all back," said Linda.

Anyone wishing to return missing equipment to Southampton General should call 023 8079 6300 or 8079 4853. Collection can be arranged if transport is a problem.

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