Listen
First NHS-run cafe opens
09/02/2009
The first NHS-run café in Scotland opened its doors in Glasgow Royal Infirmary today with the promise of more to come.
All profits made by NHS Aroma cafés - wholly owned by the NHS - will be reinvested in the NHS and outlets will be staffed by NHS employees.
Key features will include:
- Fifty per cent 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 per cent traceability to farmers who will benefit from a price 150 per cent higher than the Fairtrade price
Four pilot cafés will open in Glasgow hospitals by summer, with a further two opening in Highland next month. If successful the cafés will then be rolled out across Scotland.
Public Health Minister Shona 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.
"Run by the NHS for the NHS, these cafés will put profits straight back into hospitals, benefiting patient care and, in many cases, creating new NHS jobs."
Andrew Robertson, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Chairman, said:
"This is an exciting new initiative and we're delighted that Glasgow Royal Infirmary is home to the first Aroma cafe in Scotland.
"Run by local NHS staff, selling quality produce prepared on site, I'm sure Aroma will be extremely popular with staff, patients and visitors.
"We are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to drive up standards while at the same time ensure good value for the NHS - Aroma achieves both."