In order to change patients, will hospitals change themselves?
A recent review carried out by Dr Rachel Thompson, Deputy Head of Science at the World Cancer Research Fund, targeted “junk” filled vending machines in hospital waiting areas. She argued there “was no mystery about what needed to be done,” as all too often the effort put in by healthcare professionals is undermined by these machines.
These vending machines are constantly stocked up with high calorie snacks which, it could be argued, are the reason for patients ending up in hospital in the first place! Are we losing our focus in the battle against obesity, and the diseases that may result from it?
A nationwide survey, carried out in schools in May 2004, found that 75 percent of the drinks, and 85 percent of the snacks sold are of poor nutritional value. It’s clear that junk foods in school vending machines, as well in hospital waiting rooms, compete with meals offered by inhouse cafes – which may be more nutritious.
Alongside patients, hospital staff who often spend as much as 60% of their waking hours in their place of work, are affected by the limited food options made available for them. I spoke to Samantha Kerovich, a member of staff at King George Hospital, who said “I put on nearly 2 stone due to hospital vending machines and it’s taken a year to shift it again, but given that the staff canteens shut at 5:30pm, what exactly are the staff meant to eat when on call or working night shifts?” Bringing a packed lunch can sometimes be impractical if there is nowhere to eat outside of patient areas.
Change requires effort from all parties including the government, hospital managers and healthcare professionals, service companies, multinational food and beverage companies, and patients’ organisations. Encouraging healthy lifestyles is a difficult balance, but it’s important that hospitals do not serve to exacerbate the health implications of poor diet and obesity.
After all, where better to promote health than in places that exist to improve the health and wellbeing of the people who step through its doors.
These vending machines are constantly stocked up with high calorie snacks which, it could be argued, are the reason for patients ending up in hospital in the first place! Are we losing our focus in the battle against obesity, and the diseases that may result from it?
A nationwide survey, carried out in schools in May 2004, found that 75 percent of the drinks, and 85 percent of the snacks sold are of poor nutritional value. It’s clear that junk foods in school vending machines, as well in hospital waiting rooms, compete with meals offered by inhouse cafes – which may be more nutritious.
Alongside patients, hospital staff who often spend as much as 60% of their waking hours in their place of work, are affected by the limited food options made available for them. I spoke to Samantha Kerovich, a member of staff at King George Hospital, who said “I put on nearly 2 stone due to hospital vending machines and it’s taken a year to shift it again, but given that the staff canteens shut at 5:30pm, what exactly are the staff meant to eat when on call or working night shifts?” Bringing a packed lunch can sometimes be impractical if there is nowhere to eat outside of patient areas.
Change requires effort from all parties including the government, hospital managers and healthcare professionals, service companies, multinational food and beverage companies, and patients’ organisations. Encouraging healthy lifestyles is a difficult balance, but it’s important that hospitals do not serve to exacerbate the health implications of poor diet and obesity.
After all, where better to promote health than in places that exist to improve the health and wellbeing of the people who step through its doors.
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