North-South divide in money spent on NHS sufferers’ meals uncovered

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Analysis by the Lib Dems revealed the extensive hole in funding for meals relying on the place sufferers are handled

NHS sufferers in London had twice as a lot spent on their hospital meals in contrast with these within the North, it’s claimed in the present day.

A mean of £5.17 was spent on meals offered within the capital, whereas sufferers within the North needed to make do with simply £2.45, in response to the Lib Dems.

Researchers analysed Freedom of Info information for the entire meals prices of NHS Belief websites throughout London and the North, and the variety of inpatient meals offered between 2014 and 2019.

The celebration’s “spokesman for the North”, former MP John Leech, stated it offered extra proof of a “chilling North/South divide”.

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He stated: “Nobody desires to be in hospital for longer than they need to be, however after we are we should be capable of depend on good, wholesome meals with a wide range of selections for these with dietary necessities.

“However as regular, Northerners are being shafted. After we get ailing, we’re shedding out on the standard and vary of meals thought of customary within the capital.”

He added: “Hardworking catering employees in our hospitals work across the clock to supply wholesome, dietary meals however their palms are tied by diminishing and restrictive budgets.”

A Division of Well being spokesman stated: “We would like NHS employees and sufferers to have entry to wholesome, nutritious meals.

“Following an impartial assessment of hospital meals, the NHS has appointed an skilled panel made up of clinicians, caterers and dieticians to drive up high quality and consistency of foods and drinks throughout all healthcare websites to deal with well being disparities.

“As a part of this we’re working with 16 exemplar Trusts on various improvements and pilots to check and roll out greatest apply to stage up hospital meals throughout the nation.”

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