BONKERS: UK hit by HEATWAVE - but health centre BANS water fountain use on safety fears
Furious patients have slammed a health centre's decision to ban a water fountain over fears people could slip on spillages - in sweltering heat. People have branded the move "health and safety gone mad" after bosses at Canvey Primary Care Centre closed the water cooler due to concerns it could pose a safety hazard.
SWNS
The prohibition has caused ripples across the Essex island, with residents and councillors blasting the centre as temperatures are set to reach a scorching 29 degrees.
Resident Charlie Davey said: "There was a notice about this pinned up at the notice board near where blood tests are taken.
"A woman at the reception said she would always offer water to those who asked. Like always it's the generals behind the scenes making the bullets for those on the front line to fire and receive flak.
"Believe it or not I was told children that use the machines splash water on the floor and the powers that be are fearful of people slipping over. The old health and safety card."
Of course this is health and safety gone mad
Janice Payne, Canvey Independent councillor for Canvey South, added: "Of course this is health and safety gone mad.
“If they have had spillages then they should put a sign up that says there is a risk of wet floors due to water being splashed about.
"I mean what will happen next. People are going to want a drink of water. I think this will also tie up the receptionists' time as they will have to be handing out water to patients.
"I think this needs to be changed as soon as possible."
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A spokesman for the centre said: "The safety of all visitors to our health centre is paramount.
"Due to water spillages arising from inappropriate use of the water coolers, we have had to undertake a review and upon the recommendation of the Water Safety Group concluded that drinking water would be best supplied from an area managed by the health centre staff where there can be better supervision of the facility.
"Drinking water will always be available and visitors can request this from reception."