Patient meals not fit to eat, say NHS staff

More than half of hospital staff in England wouldn’t eat food served to patients because it’s unhealthy and of poor quality.

A survey, carried out by UNISON, has revealed that many NHS employees and those working for private firms in hospitals, say that nutritious meals aren’t available to buy at work, especially when on night shifts. No free drinking water, poor food-preparation facilities or meals unsuitable for their dietary or religious needs were among other top complaints from more than 300 staff across England.

With staff also complaining that they are unable to heat up and prepare food on site, the findings highlight the failure of the NHS to ensure hospital vending machines, restaurants and shops provide decent quality, nutritious meals. The high cost of nutritious food at work was cited as the biggest barrier to eating healthily, with 61 per cent of staff making this complaint.

The survey shows that 50 per cent of respondents thought meals were neither nutritious nor good quality, while 53 per cent said they wouldn’t eat food prepared for patients. Another major concern was the lack of healthy, inexpensive food and drink options for employees. Nearly a third said on-site vending machines sold no nutritious snacks, while similar complaints were made of restaurants and shops (both at 16 per cent).

Sara Gorton, UNISON head of health, said: “Everyone in hospitals including staff, patients and visitors deserves healthy food that’s reasonably priced. Patients who are ill need nutritious and appealing meals to help them recover. Busy staff also need nourishing choices and proper breaks so they can re-charge on hectic shifts.

“The NHS is failing in its responsibility to look after the wellbeing of its employees. Healthy options should be made available 24-hours a day and better food standards enforced.”

The issue of food in hospitals and meal options for staff is being discussed at UNISON’s annual health conference.