The way medical equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs is lent out and returned could be simplified under new plans.

Equipment to help patients, the elderly, vulnerable people and children live more independent lives are provided through three separate arrangements.

Kent Community Health NHS Trust deals with some of the aids, Kent County Council (KCC) hands out others, and the two bodies work together to supply some items.

This has led to difficulties when mobility aids need to be given back, with reports of people being told items cannot be collected and should be thrown away.

Under new proposals KCC could form a partnership with the county’s NHS clinical commissioning groups to fund an integrated community equipment service.

A five-year contract for around £55 million would then be put out to tender, with the successful provider being given incentives to collect and recycle equipment.

The move was welcomed by Sheerness county and borough councillor Angela Harrison (Lab), who said: “Common sense is making a comeback.”

Speaking at a KCC adult social care and health cabinet committee meeting, she said: “A lot of people don’t even bother now to say ‘right, I’ve finished with the crutches, the chair, this that and the other, what do you want me to do about it?’ They just ditch it.

“So we have got to get the message out that this is the way it’s going to be and when I give you your crutches or whatever I make it clear to you what is going to happen with them when you finish with them.”

The committee recommended the proposal goes ahead; it could be introduced in early December.