AN unusual amnesty is being offered in Portland this month.

In what is believed to be a first for Portland District Health, the amnesty applies to rehabilitation equipment that is prescribed for patients to use but doesn't always get returned.

This equipment includes shower stools and chairs, over-toilet aids, wheelie walkers, crutches and pick-up frames.

“We are lucky to have a service where equipment is loaned out to patients for free, but the free period is usually limited to 30 days followed by a small weekly hire fee,” allied health assistant Craig Keenan said.

“And despite our tracking system, something always slips through the cracks.

“It is an important part of our rehabilitation service, but we only have a small pool of equipment for the whole community and we are currently facing a shortage.

“If anyone or a family member has any of these items around the house, they can return them to us with no hire fees or replacement costs incurred,” Mr Keenan said.

“Firstly, they need to check any stickers, labels or codes that show they belong to Portland District Health. Labels attached or markers on frames will say PDH and stickers will read either Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.

“It is also important to note that this is not a request for donations. Although we always appreciate the giving nature of the community, due to health and safety regulations, we can’t accept anything that wasn’t initially provided by PDH.”

Equipment can be returned to the PDH Consulting Suites, 8.30am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

The amnesty runs until May 31.