Menu
29/03/2004
NHS' disposable nappy policy threatens waste strategy
The NHS has been accused of undermining the government’s waste strategy and denying parents a fair choice by promoting the use of disposable nappies.
In its report, 'Nappies and the NHS – waste prevention and a fair choice for parents', published to coincide with today launch of Real Nappy Week, the Women's Environment Network (WEN) claimed that use of disposable nappies ran contrary to the Department of the Environment's target of converting 155,000 households to real nappy use by April 2006.
Despite this target, the WEN has claimed that hospitals provide parents with little or no access to information and education about real nappies.
The report has found that where parents are given a fair choice, nappy waste is reduced and parents, health services and local councils all make savings.
Ann Link, Coordinator of WEN, said: “In the majority of maternity hospitals throughout the UK, disposable nappies are the only nappies demonstrated in ante-natal classes, given out free in Bounty and other freebie packs and in use on maternity wards."
She added: "A few paragraphs about ‘terries’ in Department of Health babycare publications are not enough to balance the insidious promotion of disposable nappies in the NHS.”
WEN has estimated that disposing of nappy waste is costing the NHS about 88p per baby - roughly equivalent to profits from the Bounty Bag system. Hospitals can reduce these costs through the use of real nappies on-ward, the network said.
(gmcg)
In its report, 'Nappies and the NHS – waste prevention and a fair choice for parents', published to coincide with today launch of Real Nappy Week, the Women's Environment Network (WEN) claimed that use of disposable nappies ran contrary to the Department of the Environment's target of converting 155,000 households to real nappy use by April 2006.
Despite this target, the WEN has claimed that hospitals provide parents with little or no access to information and education about real nappies.
The report has found that where parents are given a fair choice, nappy waste is reduced and parents, health services and local councils all make savings.
Ann Link, Coordinator of WEN, said: “In the majority of maternity hospitals throughout the UK, disposable nappies are the only nappies demonstrated in ante-natal classes, given out free in Bounty and other freebie packs and in use on maternity wards."
She added: "A few paragraphs about ‘terries’ in Department of Health babycare publications are not enough to balance the insidious promotion of disposable nappies in the NHS.”
WEN has estimated that disposing of nappy waste is costing the NHS about 88p per baby - roughly equivalent to profits from the Bounty Bag system. Hospitals can reduce these costs through the use of real nappies on-ward, the network said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 August 2015
Safety Campaign Launched Following Death Of Baby Who Choked On Nappy Sack
A safety campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers of babies suffocating or choking on nappy sacks. The Royal Society For The Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has teamed up with the mother of a seven-month-old child that died in 2013 from accidental suffocation.
Safety Campaign Launched Following Death Of Baby Who Choked On Nappy Sack
A safety campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers of babies suffocating or choking on nappy sacks. The Royal Society For The Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has teamed up with the mother of a seven-month-old child that died in 2013 from accidental suffocation.
14 February 2006
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
30 January 2013
Cumbria County Council Veto Nuclear Waste Facility
Cumbria County Council has rejected a proposed £12bn underground nuclear waste store. The council vetoed any further investigation, “Stage 4”, of sites for the radioactive waste facility. “Stage 4” would have included detailed geological investigations and discussions over the social and economic implications.
Cumbria County Council Veto Nuclear Waste Facility
Cumbria County Council has rejected a proposed £12bn underground nuclear waste store. The council vetoed any further investigation, “Stage 4”, of sites for the radioactive waste facility. “Stage 4” would have included detailed geological investigations and discussions over the social and economic implications.
08 May 2008
Food Waste Costs £10 Billion, Says Report
A report launched today reveals that consumers are dumping 6.7 million tonnes of food every year in England and Wales. The Food We Waste report - believed to be the first of its kind in the world - consisted of a detailed survey of households and a physical analysis of their waste.
Food Waste Costs £10 Billion, Says Report
A report launched today reveals that consumers are dumping 6.7 million tonnes of food every year in England and Wales. The Food We Waste report - believed to be the first of its kind in the world - consisted of a detailed survey of households and a physical analysis of their waste.
02 April 2007
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
