Dudley Council’s leader has launched a fierce condemnation of the NHS following the discovery of rubbish and clinical waste accumulating outside the Ladies Walk Centre in Sedgley. The waste, including hazardous clinical refuse, had been piling up for approximately two months, creating a health hazard that has left local residents and workers deeply concerned.
On May 18, borough leader Cllr Patrick Harley ordered council workers to clear the dangerous waste from outside the community hub and health centre. The cleaning followed reports from workers at the centre, who claimed the rubbish buildup began after Dudley Council announced plans to purchase the building.
Bethany Wilkins, a cleaner at the centre, expressed her frustration: “When people walk by, it feels like we’re blamed, but there’s nothing we can do about it. The waste includes everything from fungal foot treatment leftovers to blood-soaked materials and baby nappies— all classified as clinical waste.
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“We even had a proper rats’ nest among the piled rubbish. You could see the rodents moving around. It was getting seriously horrendous.”
The responsibility for clearing the waste was initially unclear, allowing the rubbish to accumulate until community campaigner and former Conservative local election candidate Bill Etheridge escalated the issue to council leaders.
Cllr Harley condemned the negligence: “This is outrageous. I immediately instructed council workers to remove the waste once we were made aware. We have cleared this rubbish before and intend to charge those responsible this time. This kind of careless behaviour from NHS professionals is unacceptable.
“Our teams will handle the removal, but we can’t keep cleaning up other people’s rubbish. The NHS must manage their waste contracts properly. Frankly, I am disgusted that anyone considers this acceptable.”
Bill Etheridge added: “The council warned the health centre weeks ago to improve the situation, but nothing changed. I’m thankful to whistleblowers who brought this to light.
“Everyone in Sedgley values the services provided at this centre, but health providers have a clear duty to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. This is an absolute disgrace.”
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for medical services at Ladies Walk, has been contacted for comment.