Reacting to the release of Sustain’s Campaign for Better Hospital Food league table yesterday, Jones championed the work of NHS England chief executive, Simon Stevens and criticsed the government's childhood obesity strategy.
He told Cost Sector Catering: “It’s great to see companies react and commit to changing their offers for the better. I think Burger King realises its time in the NHS is over, it sends out the wrong message in the current climate. Ultimately, it all comes down to offering choice and a balance of offers, and educating the staff and visitors alike.
“Operators shouldn’t be offering meal deals including unhealthy, high sugar, high fat options, but should instead be making meal deals around the healthy options. Make those choices affordable and cost effective and make people want to pick up the healthy option.
“Yes, people should be allowed a choice but we need to get rid of the 500g bars of chocolate for £1 on special offer as soon as you enter the convenience store in hospitals. There’s no problem in offering a 50g bar at a regular price, but let’s steer clear of the special offers, the two-for-one deals.
It comes down to staff training too, they need to understand the healthy choices on offer and they need to be able sell those choices to the consumers. Simon Stevens should be congratulated for the work he has done to promote the idea of balanced, healthy lifestyles in the NHS.
“The childhood obesity strategy was weak and it’ll be at the top of the PS100 agenda in November. It didn’t go far enough to combat any of the issues. It’s important that the public sector takes the lead now and pushes the government to ensure change is made.
“If the sugary soft drink companies are claiming their diet versions taste just as good as the full fat, full sugar version. The public sector should send a clear message to them by committing to only stocking the diet versions, alongside other healthier, balanced drinks.
“Why not band fast food outlets from opening within a mile of a hospital? That would send a much bigger, clearer message.”