Following the introduction of the ‘Carrier Bag Charging Levy’ in October 2015, which requires all shops to charge 5p for all single-use plastic carrier bags and to donate the sales proceeds to good causes, Radstock Co-operative Society sought views from its members as to who should be the beneficiaries of the money raised.
The Society received a number of suggestions as to where the funds should be directed and one theme that seemed to resonate with members was support for local community health provision.
Many Co-operatives historically provided financial support to hospitals and health institutes prior to the introduction of the National Health Service, so it was fitting that Radstock Co-operative decided to direct financial support towards cash-strapped community hospitals, health centres and surgeries within its trading areas.
A spokesperson for the Society said: “We empathise with the challenges faced by several community hospitals and doctors’ surgeries in meeting the ever-growing demands of local community health needs, whilst trying to balance the books.
“Often, there is an insufficient supply of small, portable equipment to monitor patients’ health conditions and existing equipment is in desperate need of replacement. The Carrier Bag charging initiative has enabled us, the retailer, to determine which community causes should benefit.
“Paulton Hospital is an important part of community life and many of our colleagues, customers and members have benefitted from the care they provide. So, we are delighted to make a significant donation to them.”
The money was divided between Paulton Hospital, Mendip Surgery in Coleford, Frome Community Hospital and Shepton Mallet Hospital, with Paulton receiving the largest share (£5,400) for covering the largest area within trading boundaries. The money will be spent on equipment for the local hospitals and surgeries, with the Mendip Surgery in Coleford, which looks after 5,300 patients, using its £1,600 to buy a new spirometer, which diagnoses respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD.