Single-use plastics will no longer be available at Queen Alexandra Hospital in bid to cut waste

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHT) has pledged to reduce its use of single-use plastics in a bid to cut waste and help the environment.

From April this year, the trust will no longer purchase single-use plastic stirrers and straws, except where a person has a specific need and by April 2021 single-use plastic cutlery, plates or single-use cups made of expanded polystyrene or oxo-degradable plastics will no longer be bought and single-use plastic food containers and other plastic cups for drinks will also be reduced.

Mark Cubbon, chief executive at PHT, said: ‘As one of the largest employers in Portsmouth we are committed to doing all we can to reduce waste and help protect the environment, working with our many partners.

‘Reducing the use of single-use plastics across our hospital sites will support a positive change, for the benefit of our patients, communities and individuals who work with us.’

Engie, which runs two restaurants on B and E levels at Queen Alexandra Hospital, has already stopped the purchase of single-use plastic stirrers and straws, with plastic cups only available for water machines.

There are plans to move to an alternative during 2020.

The League of Friends, which runs a cafe on B Level, has already made the move to using paper straws and wooden spoons and stirrers in their café, while Costa outlets on A and C levels has committed to reducing waste from its outlets nationwide.

Mr Cubbon added: ‘We take our responsibility to the environment seriously and hope to be part of more environmentally friendly initiatives in the future, working with our patients, individuals and teams across the organisation and community partners.’

NHS Supply Chain which provides items for use in wards and departments has also committed to supplying alternatives.

Plastic items required for medical reasons are exempt from the pledge.