Anatomical parts pile-up

A clinical waste disposal firm has been stripped of NHS contracts after allowing body parts to pile up at its facilities.

Healthcare Environment Services (HES) had “failed to demonstrate that they were operating within their contractual limits,” according to NHS Improvement.

Health Minister Stephen Barclay told MPs that 15 NHS trusts had served termination notices to HES, with the work being taken over by Mitie.

In a statement to Parliament, Mr Barclay said: “I can confirm that NHS services continue to operate as normal.

“We are ensuring that there are contingency plans in place in case of any disruption, and that there is absolutely no risk to the health of patients or the wider public.

“On July 31, the Environment Agency notified central Government of an issue concerning clinical waste collection and disposal for hospitals and other public services provided by the company, Healthcare Environmental Services (HES).

“In this instance, the primary concern was that too much waste was being held in a number of waste storage and treatment sites by a contractor, Healthcare Environment Services.

“While the waste was stored securely, it was not being processed and disposed of within the correct regulatory timescales.

He added: “At no point has there been an impact on public health or any delay to the ability of the National Health Service to carry out operations.”