STAFF at Gobowen’s Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital (RJAH) are enjoying their morning brews in named recyclable cups, thanks to backing from the UK’s oldest breakfast company. 

Around 1,900 RJAH staff have received specially-made personalised cups in a bid to cut down on single-use plastics and say thank you for going ‘above and beyond’ in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Every employee from consultants, doctors and nurses to admin staff, porters and cleaners have received a new cup in an initiative backed by Cheshire-based Mornflake after launching its famous Mighty Oats products in 100 per cent recyclable packaging.

RJAH started its journey to removing single-use plastics earlier this year after signing the NHS Supply Chain Single-Use Plastic Pledge.

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Sian Langford, facilities compliance manager and sustainability lead at RJAH, said: “When the single-use plastic ban was announced, we took the opportunity to not just look at removing those items within the legislation but to go further and consider items used on a daily basis across the service.

“We identified disposable cups as a real opportunity to look at introducing a reusable option.

“By introducing the personalised reusable cups meant we were supporting our staff with this change and further spreading the message around the importance of sustainability.”

Sophie Taylor, sponsorship and grants officer for RJAH Charity, said: “We are delighted that Mornflake have supported RJAH with this project and are supporting the hospital to reach its sustainability goals.”

Mornflake has helped the hospital buy the cups which officials hope will dramatically reduce waste to landfill.

They have been circulated round all departments for use throughout the day as staff top up on water and take tea breaks.

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Managing director James Lea said: “The RJAH is world-renowned and indeed very well-known in Cheshire.

“Many of our employees and family members have had experience of using the hospital and this gesture is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ while commending staff on going the extra mile during the pandemic.

“As a brand we are deeply committed to supporting a greener future and were delighted to support the hospital as it cuts down on plastic waste.”

Mornflake played a critical role in feeding the nation during the pandemic, supporting the DEFRA parcel scheme with millions of packs of porridge sent to NHS workers, foodbanks and vulnerable people.