28 April 2009
The Transport and Technical Services Recycling Team and staff at the Jersey General Hospital Maternity Unit are very pleased to announce a trial of washable nappies in the Maternity Unit starting next month.
This announcement comes at the start of Real Nappy Week, organised by UK based group ‘Go Real’ with the aim of raising national awareness about real nappies and in particular, the money that can be saved by using washables.
5 million disposable nappies are thrown away in Jersey every year – that’s 13,000 per day. By promoting the use of real nappies in the Maternity Unit, the aim is to encourage new parents to continue to use washables which will reduce household waste and save money.
The cost of disposable nappies is approximately £1,000 ‘birth to potty’ and during this time a baby will use between 4,000 and 6,000 disposable nappies. If real nappies are used, just 25-30 washable nappies will be needed and the cost will be half of the price of disposables, including the price of washing the nappies at home.
The trial in Jersey’s Maternity Unit is planned to start on Monday 11th May and will run for a period of two months. During this time, feedback from staff and new parents will be gathered so the permanent use of real nappies can be assessed.
Elaine Torrance, Head of Midwifery said ‘More and more hospitals are using washable nappies as a way of reducing waste, redirecting savings back into improving healthcare and reducing their carbon footprint. This trial is very exciting for Jersey’s Maternity Unit and we hope that it will lead to long term benefits.’
Emma Richardson, Recycling Officer said ‘Disposable nappies now account for 3% of the island’s waste. By promoting the use of washable nappies, we have an opportunity to help families reduce their waste and save money. There is a link between hospitals using real nappies and an increased percentage of families using washables and I hope this trial will be the start of this trend for Jersey.’
In recognition of Real Nappy Week, information regarding washable nappies is available in the Antenatal waiting room at the General Hospital together with a questionnaire with an incentive prize draw to win a complete birth to potty real nappy set worth £379. A special display of washable nappies is also on show at The GreenHouse, 3 Burrard Street, St Helier.
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