The Otago District Health Board may be about $200 better off after at least nine pairs of crutches issued by Dunedin Hospital were returned yesterday following publicity about the high numbers of peripatetic crutches.
Those returning them, however, while not going to the length of donning trench coats and dark glasses as a disguise, were not stopping to explain how long they had been harbouring the supports.
Six pairs were returned to Orthotics Otago.
Administration officer Robyn Hullen said on a good day the organisation would be lucky to receive one pair.
It is understood that another three pairs turned up at the physiotherapy department in the hospital, which also received a call about a wheelchair, although it has yet to be brought in.
The Otago District Health Board is reviewing the way it keeps track of crutches as only about half of those issued by Dunedin Hospital are returned, and it is costing the board about $1500 a month to replace them.
