Calls for healthier food at Hereford County Hospital

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Tuesday, 30 April 2019 13:32

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

A local patient says he was appalled to see unhealthy food being ‘encouraged’ at Hereford County Hospital.

Clive Wilson, who had to visit the hospital’s A&E department last week, said he was shocked to see a vending machine selling only crisps, chocolates and fizzy drinks.

“The NHS is hardly encouraging healthy eating,” Mr Wilson said.

“I couldn’t believe that they would be encouraging people to eat unhealthy food at a hospital.

“I would like to see them change it to offer more healthy foods.

However, a spokesperson for Wye Valley NHS Trust said they have taken part in a nationwide programme to reduce salt, fat and sugar in the products that are on offer.

He said there were five vending machines in the vicinity of the emergency department at Hereford County Hospital offering a variety of drinks and snacks.

“Working in partnership, Sodexo and Wye Valley NHS Trust participate in the national Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) programme and have successfully achieved all of the nationally-set targets for reducing salt, fat and sugar in all outlets,” he said.

“As part of a balanced approach, a small selection of items will be deemed less healthy, however, this is managed within strict criteria and all of the products on offer have had their calorific (fat and sugar) content reduced by the manufacturer.

“There are always ways we can improve and the trust will continue to work with Sodexo to review the selection available in the vending machines.”