Hospital staff banned from making tea - because bosses want to cut electricity bills

Hospital staff are being banned from making cups of tea - because bosses want to cut down on electricity.

But the move has angered unions, who say the power used by such  appliances is 'a drop in the ocean' compared with the rest of the hospitals' utility bills.

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals staff face a crackdown on the use of  kettles, fridges and microwaves.   

Last year, the trust used £1 million worth of electricity. But John Cawood, head of estates at the trust, has warned that could rise to  £1.4 million if usage stays the same.

'Many departments are using individual kettles, fridges and  microwaves, often based in offices.

'To reduce our costs, this will  not be allowed and will help to reduce our energy consumption,' he told staff in an internal newsletter.

He added: 'Staff should use dining rooms, beverage areas and rest areas around the hospital if you have a kitchen or rest area, then please use this one area.'  

Graham Parish, of Unison in Dorset, said: 'I suspect  the kettles and microwaves meant staff were staying at their desks working while they had a snack or a cup of tea.

'If they have to go to the canteen, it increases the amount of time away from the desk,  so what the trust saves on electricity, it might lose in terms of staff productivity.

'In a hospital, electricity costs are going to be high because of lighting and heating.

'You've got to keep the place at a proper  temperature. I don't know how much of that electricity is used by  microwaves and kettles, but I suspect it's a drop in the ocean. I   hope they have made some real evaluation.'

A hospital spokesman said: 'Encouraging the removal of kettles and  toasters within offices and wards has been ongoing for some time following advice from the fire service that these items can be a risk.

'There is an ongoing campaign of good housekeeping within the trust  to reduce our energy consumption, not only for the environment but  also as part of continuing efficiency savings across our hospitals.  

'The campaign aims to offset the increase in energy costs we are incurring.

'A number of technical solutions have been introduced, such as intelligence hospital corridor lighting, which alone should save 50  per cent of energy compared to manual lighting systems.

'We are also looking at energy saving issues around computers. Together with reducing the number of domestic products used in individual areas, we are making a real difference to our energy consumption.'

Currently almost a third of the trust's energy comes from green sources.