The Campaign for Better Hospital Food undertook a detailed survey of food standards in NHS hospitals, using London as a test case.
Shockingly the findings show that only half of the hospitals met all five of the basic food standards for hospitals. When these standards were brought into the NHS Standard Contract, we were told that this was the equivalent of making those standards law. Clearly this did not turn out to be true.
Also, too many sugary drinks and unhealthy food in shops and vending are available. Coupled with a lack of 24hrs access to healthy food for staff this presents a conflicting message between official healthy eating advice and what is actually available to staff and visitors in many London hospitals.
On a more positive note, there are some glowing performances and most hospitals are championing the food experience for their patients.
Read the full findings and recommendations at:
https://www.sustainweb.org/publications/taking_the_pulse
The Campaign for Better Hospital Food is run by Sustain, an alliance of NGOs including Slow Food in the UK