Eye-watering cost to NHS of caring for obese Brits revealed – including £91k on life-size overweight dolls

HEALTH chiefs have spent £91,000 on two life-size obese dolls — to train nurses and paramedics in dealing with the growing numbers of overweight patients.

The spending is part of more than £2million splurged nationally this year on specialist equipment to cope with rising obesity levels.

Other buys include £250,000 on ­re­inforced ambulance chassis and £91,000 more on slings to move heavy patients.

Latest UK statistics show 64 per cent of adults are overweight, with 26 per cent are classified as obese.

The giant-size dolls simulate a patient weighing 145kgs, or 23 stone and have been bought by Sheffield Hallam University’s School of Health.

Suppliers Simulation Collective say: “The moveable skin conceals sores, infections, and skin conditions, enhancing the realism of healthcare training.”

READ MORE IN HEALTH

FLASHBACKS

Flu surge 'will peak in 10 days' as UK hospitals bring back face masks

xmas shock

Gemma Collins' heartbreak as fiancé Rami is rushed to hospital in an ambulance

London Ambulance Service has ordered five super-strong chassis to boost the strength of ambulances.

Contract details show the strengthened bases will cost a total of £250,000 from Motus Truck & Van, based in Buckinghamshire.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service is spending £91,000 on the slings that can assist in moving larger-sized patients.

Bariatric equipment is also costing North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust £400,000 and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust £360,000.

Most read in Health

TIRED & TESTED

I tested 8 insomnia ‘cures’ over 8 weeks - there were 2 clear winners

DRY JAN

Exactly what happens hours, days, weeks & months after you stop drinking alcohol

SILVER SMOKERS

Record number of OAPS - including over-90s - hospitalised after smoking dope

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

From weight to sleep and sex - The Sun's Health Kick surveys the nation

The Medstrom and Bradford Teaching Hospitals is spending £465,000 renting gear to help cope with treating the overweight.

NHS procurement chiefs have also agreed nationally to two further deals of £324,000 and £450,000 this year to buy beds, mattresses and equipment to assist with care for obese patients.

1