The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) is being recognised by campaign group Sustainable Fish Cities for its decision to serve only sustainable fish such as hoki, cod, mackerel and wild caught salmon, and to remove fish which is considered ‘Fish to Avoid’ by the Marine Conservation Society.
Mark Roscrow, director of Procurement Services at NWSSP said: “We are proud to be signatories of the Sustainable Fish City pledge, a public commitment to demonstrate that we value our environment and are keen to ensure our supply chain does not have a negative impact on future generations.
“This national pledge is just one example of the ethical and sustainable sourcing practice that NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership follows; not just with food but all the commodities we purchase.”
Ruth Westcott, coordinator of Sustainable Fish Cities said: “NHS Wales are showing fantastic responsibility and leadership with this commitment and I hope it will encourage other suppliers and contract caterers to follow suit.
“So far the majority of NHS caterers in the UK have not taken the pledge, which means that there is a danger that in many parts of the UK, taxpayer’s money is being spent on products that are damaging our fisheries and oceans.”
Only two private hospital food providers and four hospitals or health trusts in England have pledged to remove endangered species and serve sustainable fish. This is despite new requirements, which will make demonstrably sustainable fish compulsory in England, which come into force on April 1st 2015.