Council leader slams NHS in waste row

Dudley Council’s leader launched a blistering attack on the NHS after rubbish and clinical waste piled up outside a health centre.

On May 18, borough leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, sent council workers to clear the waste from outside the Ladies Walk Centre in Sedgley.

The refuse was from the centre and included clinical waste. A worker at the centre told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it had been building up for around two months after it was announced Dudley Council was going to buy the building.

Bethany Wilkins, a cleaner at Ladies Walk, said: “We are really frustrated because, when people walk by, we’re the ones that are putting rubbish out so it’s our face on it and people are complaining as if it’s something we can do anything about.

“There is a clinic, we have got a spot where they do feet, fungal or anything like that and there is the blood section, spillages, babies’ nappies, everything would be clinical waste.

“We had a proper rats nest and you could see them moving, it was getting pretty horrendous.” 

While confusion continued about who was responsible for removing the waste the rubbish piled up until community campaigner and former Conservative local election candidate, Bill Etheridge alerted council leaders.

Cllr Patrick Harley said: “This is outrageous. I instructed council workmen to clear this as soon as we heard about it. We have previously removed this and intend to charge those responsible. It is just bad practice from so called professionals within the NHS.

“Our workers will remove it but we cannot keep clearing up other people’s rubbish. 

“They will be charged for this and really need to sort out their own contract with waste companies.  I am disgusted that they think this behaviour is acceptable.”

Mr Etheridge said: “The council warned the health centre to improve a few weeks ago and nothing has changed

“I’m grateful to the several whistleblowers who have come forward to tell me about this

“Like everyone else in Sedgley my friends and family use and value this centre. 

“The health providers have a duty to operate in a safe and sanitary manner and this is an absolute disgrace.”

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which operates medical services at Ladies Walk, has been approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.