One Show showcases Trust ‘leading the way’

On Wednesday (30 November 2016) millions of people across the country got to see the excellent work of the trust as Barnsley integrated community equipment service featured on The One Show.

The team was featured as part of an on-going campaign by presenter Kev Duala to save the NHS money by recycling equipment such as crutches as well as other home and mobility aids. The One Show came to the depot at Grange Lane Industrial Estate in Barnsley to highlight how the Trust is ‘leading the way’ in recycling 93% of kit, saving the NHS thousands each year.

During 2015/15, 16218 equipment items were collected by the service. Of these only 1321 required to be scrapped as unfit to be re-issued. This then enabled 14897 equipment items to be reissued back into the local community. On average if the equipment had to be purchased new, this would have cost the NHS £332086 during 2015/16.

This is not the first national recognition for the 14 strong team.  The service was a runner up in an Health Service Journal Award for ‘Sustainability’ in 2011.

Mark Foster, the service’s operational manager, said: “It’s fantastic for the team to be recognised for all their hard work, being on national TV has given everyone a real boost. Having Kevin and the One Show team visit the depot was a great experience. We’re delighted that this important issue is being highlighted nationally as we’re really passionate about our work and hope others will follow our lead.”

Following the story on the One Show we have seen a spike in members of the public coming forward with used kit – with 10 extra items being handed in the following day alone.  The issue was also picked up by BBC Radio Sheffield who featured a positive report on its breakfast show.