Call for action on wide gulf in hospital spending on meals

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was close to the average spend.

Significant differences have been revealed in how much hospitals in Scotland are spending on food for patients.

Figures show a difference in average weekly spends of up to a third in mainland health boards.

Research by the Scottish Conservatives shows a gulf between the country’s two largest health boards, with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spending an average of £76 per patient per week, compared with NHS Lothian’s £102.

In island health boards the gap is larger, with NHS Shetland patients receiving £230 a week worth of food and drink, and Orkney patients £139.

The importance of hospital food quality and nutrition has been repeatedly raised, with experts saying it is key to helping patients make a good recovery.

Brian Whittle MSP, Scottish Conservative health education spokesman, said he was concerned about the disparity of provision across Scotland.

He said: “It’s absolutely vital that hospital food is healthy, of good quality and appetising. If we can’t look to our NHS to do that, who can we expect to lead the way on this?

“The disparity in spending between health boards is extremely concerning.

“You would expect island health boards to have a far higher spend because of transportation issues, and everyone accepts that.

“However, it’s less clear why patients in Glasgow receive nearly £30 less per head every week than those in Edinburgh and other health boards.

“Good, nutritious food is absolutely key to patients making a strong recovery from whatever ailment they’re suffering from.