STAFF at a Bromsgrove hospital have declared an amnesty for the walking wounded to return crutches and walking sticks since its stocks have fallen to an unhealthy low.

Former patients who have borrowed them from the minor injuries unit at the Princess of Wales Comm-unity Hospital have been asked to return them without delay.

Sister Mary Crawford told the Advertiser/Messenger this week: "We have great problems getting them back for other patients to use.

"About eight per cent of our patients do, but the rest never seem to get round to it despite promising to return them."

Patients at the hospital, off Stourbridge Road, who are given the walking aid are not required to pay a fee but they do have to sign for them.

Sister Crawford added that anyone who has had them for some time and who may feel uneasy about returning them, can hand them to a porter in the foyer with no questions asked.

However, it is best staff are informed so their names can be crossed off the list, she said.