10th Feb 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Patients, staff and visitors in Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals are to benefit from a better range of healthier food as the first NHS run café opened its doors in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
All profits made by the cafés - wholly owned by the NHS - will be reinvested in the NHS and outlets will be staffed by NHS employees. Key features of the cafés will include: *50% of products with lower fat, sugar and salt. *Catering staff developing and testing healthy recipes. NHS staff at the Glasgow café have produced an award winning healthy 'Clootie Scone', made with mixed fruits and spices. *Coffee ethically sourced with 100% traceability to farmers who will benefit from a price 150% higher than the Fairtrade price. It is hoped to have four pilot cafés open in Glasgow hospitals by the summer. Public Health Minister Shona Robison opened the NHS café at Glasgow Royal Infirmary today, presenting its Healthyliving Award and getting behind the counter to serve up healthy snacks for the first customers. Robison said: "It is important that the NHS takes the lead in making it easier for staff, visitors and patients to enjoy affordable, high quality and healthier foods. I'm delighted to open the very first NHS owned café in Glasgow Royal Infirmary and present it with its well deserved Healthyliving Award to recognise the range of healthy food choices available."