A cancer prevention charity has called for national guidelines to make hospital vending machines in England healthier, after a survey found 73% of acute trusts have no policy on the food and drink sold in them.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) survey of 110 hospitals found only 11 had a vending machine policy, while 81 had none. In contrast, Scotland and Wales introduced guidelines in 2008, recommending at least 30% of products be healthier choices.
Amanda McLean, general manager of the WCRF, said chocolate bars, crisps and sugary drinks were inappropriate for hospitals. 'These foods cause obesity, a risk factor for cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease,' she said, adding that hospitals should 'be beacons of good health'.
The British Medical Association has backed calls for a ban on junk food in hospital vending machines, and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said England should not fall behind other UK nations. Professor Terence Stephenson said the NHS must 'send out a clear message that it takes obesity seriously'.
A Department of Health spokesperson said hospitals have a 'clear responsibility' to promote healthier choices, and encouraged trusts to sign up to its Responsibility Deal. The NHS Confederation noted that many hospitals already offer fruit and smoothies alongside sweets.
