Extreme cost-cutting in the NHS

[scarecrow22]

My local hospital now recycling urine bottles - you get one, then when tested you take it home again, empty, sterilise with boiling water, and remember to take back for all subsequent appointments. V embarrassed midwife explained they are 16p each.

If there is no contamination risk (ie a potential problem might not be detected, or vice versa), I understand huge pressure NHS under. Though confess it's not my image of life in UK (maybe it should be?!)

Wondering if this is unique or unusual, or common? And what other measures are hospitals etc taking to save money?!

Blimey!

I don't think I was given more than one urine bottle when I was pg 7 years ago, so nothing new

I bet a significant number of people won't sterilise them and will subsequently need extra testing for infections etc that they don't actually have .

Sounds like one of these bright ideas that aren't very bright (like our Trust's amazing cheap paper that jammed the printers).

Agree, not new for midwife checks.

I dont like to boast, but I used the same bottle over five pregnancies.

I was extremely cheesed off when given a new one.

I did it 13 years ago when pregnant with DS1! They didn't mind nor did I.

First pregnancy was only 5 years ago, but we did it then.
I don't really see this as an 'extreme' measure. I actually see it as good sense. A real waste of plastic, otherwise, surely?

for SilentMammoth's frugality.

Thank you, thank you! (blushes and bows slightly)

I'm sure mines was rinsed out by midwife and handed back to me for next time?

Midwives have been doing it for years! The NICE guidelines only require us to check for proteinurea so not much chance of cross contamination I guess and we would only act on it if there was also a rise in blood pressure so not too much of a problem there. If there is a query UTI and I am sending if off for cultures I will get the woman in question to use a sterile one though.

As tried (not v well) to convey, was not critical, indeed somewhat supportive. Was just curious if others did - see certainly not unique here. Also glad to hear sounds like no risk from poor cleaning (not me, you understand )

Extreme was a poor choice of word - was also interested though in such close attention to detail.

I was told to take my own paracetamol into hospital when I had a minor op as they no longer supply it