Local  MSP Rhoda Grant, Labour, is asking NHS Orkney to ensure they have a policy for providing  free sanitary products for patients.

She has written to the NHS Boards in the Highlands, Islands and Moray (Grampian NHS) asking them all to seriously consider doing the same.

Rhoda Grant said

Rhoda Grant MSP

“ NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isles provide these products free when required, however they have no written policy on this issue.

“NHS Highland advise that staff will attempt to source these products for female patients, whilst NHS Grampian have no policy and will provide an alternative until the patient can source their own.

 “To expect female patients in the 21^st century to rely on nurses or friends and relatives to bring in such products is akin to something we would read about from the last century. At least three of our NHS Boards in the Highlands & Islands do provide these products free, but they have no formal policy.

 “I have written to NHS Highland, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles and Grampian to ask them to seriously consider putting in place a formal policy for the provision of free sanitary products for patients requiring same.”