News

30th March 2004

NHS is 'promoting disposable nappies'

An environmental charity has accused the NHS of promoting disposable nappies and undermining government aims to convert 155,000 households to re-usable nappies by April 2006.

The Women's Environment Network (WEN) also says that the NHS does not give mother's fair access to re-usable cloth nappies and have called on the Department of Health to introduce a nappy policy.

WEN claims that some hospitals do not provide cloth nappies due to contracts with schemes such as the Bounty packs, even though the use of disposable nappies in hospitals costs the NHS an estimated £1.5 million a year.

Today, a Bounty spokesman said "Bounty offers opportunities for both re-usable and disposable nappies, and as such, does not preclude marketing re-usable nappies and would be prepared to promote interested brands in any hospital with which Bounty has an agreement."

However, Anna 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."

"As the first point of contact for expectant parents, the NHS plays a highly influential role in the choices made by new parents."

WEN have released a report called 'Nappies and the NHS - waste prevention and a fair choice for parents' which claims that cloth nappies can save parents £500 on nappy costs.

The report is asking that the Department of Health develop a policy which will allow impartial advice on the use of re-usable nappies, both at home and in hospitals.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said "All first-time mothers receive free copies of Department of Health publications The Pregnancy Book and Birth to Five, which give detailed information on disposable and reusable nappies, and nappy laundering services."

"The publications suggest that parents can ask the midwife to show them how to fold/pin reusable nappies if they decide to use them."

"It is up to parents or carers to choose which type of nappy to use and for individual units and trusts to decide on the practicality of promoting the use of reusable nappies in their own maternity units, taking into account the views of women and their families."

• Disposable nappies account for 4% of all household waste. Should we be moving back to cloth nappies?Tell us your views in Your Shout