A review of progress towards standards set for hospital food two years ago shows how much work remains to be done before patients, staff and visitors can be confident that they will be well fed on hospital premises.
In 2014, for the first time ever, hospital food standards became mandatory in the NHS in England. Researchers have now reviewed the progress that has been made towards reaching the standards. The tone of their report is upbeat -- 'good headway has been made on adopting the standards' and there has been 'a measurable improvement in food quality and patient experience'.
But the data presented also shows how much work remains to be done. Only 54% of hospitals are fully compliant with the 10 Key Characteristics of Good Nutritional Care; only 55% with the British Diatetic Association's Nutrition and Hydration Digest; and just 52% of hospitals are meeting the mandatory Government Buying Standards for Food.
Sustain campaigns for healthy, fair and planet-friendly food systems. Read more about our campaign for Better Hospital Food here.
Published Friday 17 February 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
