18.10.12
Spending on hospital food varies regionally
There is significant regional variation in hospital spending on food, new data shows, despite average spending having increased by almost 10% over the last two years.
According to Department of Health figures, the average spending per patient per day is now at £8.77. However, in the biggest hospitals this rises to £15.65 – over £10 more than the lowest spending hospital.
The statistics follow health secretary Jeremy Hunt’s drive to improve the quality of hospital food. Hospitals are being given directions for reducing the fat and salt content in their food, to provide more fruit and vegetables and ensure food is bought in an environmentally sustainable way.
Teams of inspectors have started pilot inspections of hospital food and the DH is considering the use of financial incentives for hospitals which provide exceptional service.
Hunt said: “Patients need high quality, nutritious food – this a crucial part of their care, particularly for older patients. The figures published today show while the NHS is spending more on food as a whole, costs vary wildly across the country.
“What’s not clear is whether when the price drops, quality drops too. I want to find out if there is a link between what is spent and the quality of food delivered; and if not, why not.”
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