THE Launceston General Hospital is cracking down on the use of its equipment hire scheme and encouraging some people to purchase items to ease demand.

One woman with a disability, who did not want to be named, said that she had borrowed equipment from the hospital for $50 a year for several years but was told this week that option was no longer available to her.

``They said I could pay $20 a month and they were encouraging people to buy their own equipment,'' she said.

``I do have some part-time work and I'm still going to find it difficult.''

A Northern Area Health Service spokeswoman said that there had been no change to the eligibility guidelines, but they would be more stringently applied from next week to ensure assistance was targeted at those who needed it the most.

``Supplies of standard equipment such as crutches, toilet and shower seats are being carefully monitored to ensure they are available for clients with the highest needs,'' she said.

``Some clients may be advised to hire or purchase their own standard equipment if they can afford to as this will take pressure off supplies.

``However, clients who cannot afford to do this will not be disadvantaged as there is provision within the scheme for assistance and hardship arrangements.''

Clients must be referred to the scheme by an allied health professional after being clinically assessed.

The crackdown follows a Red Cross decision to close its mobility aid hire service because it was unprofitable.

Margaret Reynolds, of the National Disability Service, was hopeful a community organisation would take over the service in Hobart, but it would be harder to replace the Launceston service.

Ms Reynolds did not object to some form of a user-pays system.

``But I wouldn't want to see anyone going without equipment because they can't afford it.''

The Northern Area Health Service has also declared an amnesty on the return of any equipment.

Anyone who has equipment that they no longer need can return it to the office in Wellington Street or contact the service and it will be collected no questions asked.

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