NHS hospital bans sugar from staff’s meals

Tameside hospital in Manchester has become the first in Britain to ban sugar from its restaurant in an effort to tackle growing concerns about obesity among NHS staff.

The hospital has removed all added sugar from the meals it prepares for visitors and health service workers, and taken sugary snacks and fizzy drinks off its menu. The only drinks now available are tea, coffee, milk and water.

Campaigners have welcomed the move and are urging other hospitals to follow in Tameside’s footsteps.

Tameside hospital introduced its ban after an NHS England consultation in November last year found widespread support for a ban on sugary drinks in hospitals and clinics. A successful trial in which 100 staff members signed up for a weight loss scheme also catalysed the move.

Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: “This is long overdue and I believe it just takes one hospital to make this move and all the others should follow, and I hope they will. The Department of Health seems to be really slow on the uptake and are only just now thinking about banning sugary drinks from hospitals. But it’s sugar in food that is so important. I just think [Tameside’s plan] is excellent and I wish them well.”

Steve Morton, Public Health England North West, said: “It’s fantastic to see one of our local hospital trusts taking such encouraging steps to tackle the country’s obesity problem. Large employers can set a great example by encouraging their staff to think about their health by opting for healthier food and restricting less healthy options such as sugary snacks and fizzy drinks.”

Simon Smith, Tameside hospital’s restaurant chef, said: “I started here in May and the menu at that point was standard northern fare, so pie and chips, comfort food – what people are used to. We looked to introduce certain specialised dishes, such as wild and mixed mushroom stroganoff, served with light couscous. These dishes have proved very popular and they are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. What we are trying to promote is better, healthy eating.”

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: “It’s important the NHS practises what it preaches on healthy food and drink. We want 2018 to be the year when the tasty, affordable and easy option for patients, staff and visitors is the healthy option.”

Rhiannon Lambert, Harley Street nutritionist, said: “Any plans to offer healthier food and confine less healthy options to outside of hospitals is a really positive move towards tackling the UK’s obesity problem. These measures may only show success in 10-20 years’ time, but decision makers should be investing more in preventive areas even if the benefits may not be seen for a decade or more. Ensuring that the current obesity epidemic does not affect children of future generations is a major challenge for the NHS.”