MP CALLS FOR NATIONAL NHS RECYCLE SCHEME

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley asking if he could look at a national NHS recycle scheme for medical equipment.

In Tim's letter he says: "I regularly receive letters from irate constituents who have attempted to return items such as crutches, walking frames, toilet seat boosters etc. which have been supplied by local hospitals and clinics for patients to use at home. The standard response is that the NHS does not accept these aids back and patients are told to dispose of them; when challenged, the standard response is that it is not cost effective to collect, disinfect and recycle them.

"Assuming that this situation pertains nationwide the waste is nothing short of profligate and, if my postbag is anything to go by, the public finds the situation entirely unacceptable.

"Will the Department of Health look at finding a way to address the problem and avoid this wasteful practice?"

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "Local residents tell me that they have to throw away perfectly good medical equipment after a short period of use because the NHS will not take it back - to me that seems crazy. I have written to the Secretary of State to ask if he can step in and end this wasteful practice, ensuring this equipment is recycled rather than ending up in a hole in the ground."

ENDS