Hospital sewage leaks are a warning of the dangers of poor drain health.

The recent report on the high number of sewage leaks in hospitals across England is a cause for concern. These leaks pose a serious risk to patients and staff alike, particularly in critical wards where infections can easily spread. While the problem is attributed to ageing buildings, improper use of the drains is a major cause of blockages and leaks.

As the NHS continues to recover from the pandemic and budget constraints, it is important that we do our part to prevent these issues from arising. Small adjustments in our behaviour can make a big difference in maintaining good drain health. Items such as wet wipes, cotton buds, face masks, and sanitary products should never be flushed down the toilet and should always go into the bin.

The Unblocktober campaign for better drainage habits, led by Lanes Group, highlights that many of these problems are shared by homes across the country. A lack of proper drain care can result in significant repair costs, which neither hospitals nor homes can easily afford right now. We must take heed of the problems that poor drain health can cause and learn how to care for our drains properly.

By encouraging the British public to commit to maintaining better drain health, we can not only keep costs down and help the NHS, but also prevent the broader environmental consequences that can arise when items are flushed incorrectly. It is imperative that we take responsibility for our actions and do our part to prevent blockages and leaks from happening.

As we face the cost-of-living crisis in 2023, it is more important than ever to take care of our drains and avoid the stress and expense of responding to a drainage emergency. We must reflect on our behaviours when visiting healthcare facilities and at home to keep our drains in the best possible condition. Let us commit to making small changes and adopting good habits for the greater good of our communities and the environment.