I have received a number of emails over concerns about reducing waste in the procurement and use of medicines and equipment in the NHS.

Existing NHS England guidelines advise NHS Trusts to reuse medical equipment when safe and appropriate to do so. For example, Trusts are encouraged to reuse crutches, frames and walking sticks to help improve access for patients and save money. This also provides an excellent opportunity for carbon savings due to the high greenhouse gas intensity of aluminium manufacture.

Trusts are also encouraged to set up dedicated walking aid return and reuse schemes. This will ensure that walking aids are only returned to a designated walking aid drop off location where they can then be assessed using a simple procedure of checks, parts replacement and cleaning to ensure they are safe for reuse.

The Medical Technology Strategy, published in February 2023, committed to developing an environment to deliver value for money and affordability across the whole patient pathway for medical supplies and equipment. As part of this commitment, the Department for Health is working closely with NHS England and NHS Supply Chain alongside industry and patient groups to develop a consistent methodology for assessing value in terms of outcomes and not just unit cost, which will be adopted at both a national and local level.