UNISON welcomes government promise to improve hospital food

This week the government published a report of the independent review of NHS hospital food, with several key recommendations that align with UNISON’s demands. One major recommendation, supported by UNISON, is for funding to upgrade existing hospital kitchens and for the provision of ward kitchens, so all healthcare workers have access to food made on-site and when unavailable, their own meal preparation facilities at all times. UNISON has long been campaigning for better hospital food, in recognition that hard-working hospital staff need high-quality, nutritious and affordable food to support their stressful and demanding jobs. UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to take forward recommendations made by the independent review panel, but that must translate into real funding across the system for improved staffing and facilities.” She continued: “UNISON’s Better Hospital Food campaign has been calling for enforced food standards to ensure 24-hour availability of high quality, freshly prepared meals. We know how hard catering staff work daily so they will be pleased to see the need for investment in recognition, pay progression and training has been identified.” The recommendations put forward by the government also include: celebrating catering staff with training and pay progression using NHS Agenda for Change pay bands. food and drink standards for patients, staff and visitors, which are enforced by the ...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article health hospital food one team for patient care Source Type: news