HOSPITALS in the south have been forced to spend millions of pounds on specialist beds and chairs for fat patients who are too heavy for standard equipment.

Bigger and stronger beds, trolleys and operating tables have added to the hidden cost of obesity to the region.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that two NHS trusts – Southampton University Hospitals and Isle Of Wight Primary Care Trust – spent a total of £4.1million on reinforced equipment to accommodate the clinically obese and overweight.

Southampton, which runs the Southampton General and the Princess Anne, spent £3.5million on 781 beds, £276,000 on 138 trolleys and more than £15,000 on chairs and operating tables. It paid a further £30,000 to hire additional equipment between 2006 and 2008.

Professor William Roche, medical director at Southam-pton University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are aware of the burden on individuals and public health from the current epidemic of obesity and the trust is working with its commissioners to implement plans to deal efficiently with the various challenges caused directly or indirectly by the problem.”

The Isle of Wight, which runs St Mary’s Hospital, spent £193,875 on five operating tables, £131,600 on 80 beds, £4,113 on a trolley and £2,468 on six chairs. Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust did not provide figures.