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Manx Care has asked people to return any equipment that is no longer required, so it can be assessed and reused by patients who need it.

The healthcare body said thousands of different products that assisted older and disabled people that had been handed out.

Types of equipment included walking aids, bath and shower stools and hoists, and specialist seating.

A spokeswoman for the health care provider said any of the equipment that was out in the community that had now become "surplus to people’s requirements" should be handed back.

Manx Care could arrange for any larger items to be collected, she said.

For smaller pieces there were drop-off points at the Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital, the Southern Wellbeing Centre in Port Erin, the Community Stores at Kirby Estates in Douglas and the Western Wellbeing Centre in Peel, she added.

A similar plea was issued last year amid an international supply shortage of crutches.

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