Hope for UK hospital food

A new survey by OnePoll has revealed that more than half of people would be unhappy to serve hospital meals to a child.

The poll supports the findings of an independent report commissioned by the Soil Association, which lays bare the frequently shocking state of hospital food in the UK.

However, the report, entitled 'First aid for hospital food', gives several examples of hospitals making huge improvements without inflating budgets, sourcing local, seasonal and organic food, cutting their food miles, boosting their local economies and serving healthier, fresher meals to their patients.

Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, commented: 'All too frequently the food served in our hospitals is more appropriate to a disease service than a health service. Overall, hospital food is a national scandal, but the case studies highlighted in our report provide the blueprints for national reform - practical examples which demonstrate that really good hospital food needn't cost more. What is needed is commitment from those in charge of hospital trusts, and catering staff with real skill in sourcing and cooking simple, good quality meals.”