Clinic waste, documents found in field

A HEALTH board faces the threat of prosecution and a hefty fine following the discovery of several sackfuls of waste in a field near one of its clinics.

Gardaí and council staff in Wexford town are examining how confidential documents and other waste from the county clinic on Grogan’s Road, Wexford town, ended up strewn around a field where horses were grazing.

The South Eastern Health Board has also launched its own probe into how documents, surgical gloves, used nappies, septic wipes and commode covers ended up strewn across its own field next to the clinic.

Waste material from the Grogan’s Road office is placed in a locked compound beside the offices, awaiting further disposal, the board said yesterday. It has brought in gardaí to examine if or when it was removed from the secure area.

The grim discovery was made by local man, James Breen. He gathered up the waste, filled his horse box with it and immediately notified the South Eastern Health Board, the Corporation, the

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the gardaí. Wexford County Council officials have also examined the site. Director of Services Kieran O’Brien confirmed that following a complaint, an inspection of the site was carried out by the Wexford Borough Council on November 6.

“Steps are being taken to issue a notice under the Litter Pollution Act 1997,” he said in a statement.

The health board confirmed yesterday it will be complying fully with any order issued by the local authority.