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Healthy hospitals
13/06/2008
Sugary drinks in vending machines and unhealthy canteen meals are set to become a thing of the past in hospitals, thanks to guidance launched today by Public Health Minister Shona Robison.
The aim of health promoting guidance will be to encourage the NHS to treat every contact with patients as a health improvement opportunity, and will see hospitals creating healthier work environments for NHS staff.
The guidelines mean health boards across Scotland will now introduce a range of health promoting initiatives including offering healthy choices in canteens and removing sugar drinks from vending machines, as well as interventions for patients with alcohol problems, advice on smoking cessation, and the promotion of breastfeeding.
Patients, carers and NHS staff will benefit from the health promotion measures in key hospitals areas including A&E departments, maternity wards and canteens.
Launching the guidance today at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Ms Robison said:
"Scotland's health is improving year-on-year, but there is much more we can do to save lives by shifting the balance of care towards prevention.
"Small interventions at the point of care can make a big difference. These interventions, in conjunction with others, will help to address health inequalities and break the link between deprived areas and unhealthy lifestyles which lead to long term illness and shorter life expectancy.
"With 150,000 staff in the NHS it is also of great importance that we promote better everyday health in the daily work environment.
"I am delighted to be at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee today to launch this guidance. It has been very encouraging to see the innovative Drinks4Health approach to removing sugary drinks from vending machines across all of Tayside.
"I am also pleased to announce today that we will shortly be setting a date for all hospital canteens to achieve the current Healthy Living Award to accelerate progress across Scotland."
Chair of NHS Tayside Sandy Watson said:
"Today's launch of the Health Promoting Health Service guidance means we can ensure that we are taking every opportunity to improve the health of patients and visitors to our acute hospitals.
"Health promotion initiatives targeting our communities are at the forefront of today's NHS in Scotland as we strive to prevent ill health, as well as providing health care.
"The expansion of these initiatives into our acute hospitals gives us the chance to reach even more patients, visitors and staff members offering them all the help, practical support and encouragement they need to take more control over their own health and lead healthier lifestyles."
The Scottish Government continues to support the Healthyliving Award which gives recognition to caterers and the food service sector for taking a range of steps to provide healthier options to their customers.