HOSPITAL WANTS ITS WHEELCHAIRS BACK

Eight wheelchairs have disappeared over the last three months and all that remain are two without foot rests and a child's chair that nobody else could fit in.

Manager of the minor injuries unit, Helen Watts, said the wheelchairs and crutches were kept at the entrance for the use of people bringing in elderly or injured patients and the hospital couldn't afford to replace them when they went missing.

It was very difficult for patients and staff trying to manage with wheelchairs without foot rests. Injured limbs could not be properly supported as people were moved around the building.

'I would appeal to anybody who has any of our wheelchairs or equipment at home and is not using them to please bring them back because we are desperate,' said Sister Watts.

They could have been stored somewhere and forgotten, she added, or people might be worried about returning them.

But no questions would be asked if people just brought them back. 'On the contrary we would be very grateful if they did that,' said Sister Watts.