A Shropshire hospital has been recognised for reducing single-use items.

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital were awarded a Gold Award at the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Waste Management for the NHS in England.

The sustainability and catering teams at the Shropshire Hospital were praised for their efforts in reducing single-use items across the organisation, including removing disposable cups, snack pots, and takeaway containers.

The Best Reduction of Single-Use Items of the Year Award acknowledges efforts to significantly cut down single-use item usage in healthcare, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact.

Sian Langford, facilities manager and sustainability lead, said: "Back in 2019, we, alongside other trusts, signed the NHS Plastic Pledge – a national initiative which aims to slash the use of single-use plastics, including stirrers, straws, cutlery, plates, and polystyrene cups, across the health service.

"At the start of 2023, after reviewing the single-use plastic ban, swapping to reusables became a priority.

"We have acted to make sustainable improvements, through small steps, which are focused on not only removing single-use plastic, but single-use items from our service."

The awards aim to celebrate the NHS's dedication to sustainability and reduction of its carbon footprint, as well as symbolise commitment to environmental responsibility and the role waste management plays in this.

Judges praised the hospital's catering team for their efforts in becoming a single-use free service through 'bold leadership' and collaboration with key stakeholders.

The team were also commended for sharing their innovative approach with people across Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin Integrated Care System and the wider health service.

Ms Langford said: "We had a fantastic night at the awards, which was made even better by taking home a gold award.

"There was a host of innovation in the room, but it was particularly special to see the buzz of colleagues wanting to share ideas, learn from each other, and really make a difference.

"Going forward, we're going to be focusing on takeaway cutlery, bottled water for sale in the restaurant, and pots used for fillers on patient meals."