JUNK food could be phased out at the George Eliot Hospital under radical plans to boost the health of patients, visitors and staff.
The proposal was outlined in a new Public Health Strategy for the Nuneaton NHS Trust which aims to prevent illness rather than simply treat it.
This proactive approach could feature the reduction of junk foods, which have low nutritional value, on Trust premises in favour of healthier options.
In front of members of the Trust Board, associate director for community services Julie Whittaker said that the strategy had a ‘way to go’ but there was lots of passion for it from everyone from patient groups through to porters.
Other proposals in the document include a green travel approach to encourage staff to walk or cycle to work, and encouraging a culture of no smoking on Trust premises for patients, their families and visitors.
In a statement, chief executive Kevin McGee, said: “A significant proportion of our hospital admissions are related to patients with one or more chronic illnesses.
“Many chronic and life-shortening illnesses are preventable and are frequently caused by lifestyle issues such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet and lack of physical activity.
“In addition to the medical interventions and drug treatments we provide we recognise the importance of providing help and support to our patients to help them cope with their illness and improve their health for a better quality of life.
“We also recognise the importance of improving the advice, support and information we give to our patients, visitors and staff to help them avoid ill health.”
He added: “We have produced this strategy to help us focus on, and plan, actions that will work towards preventing the illness rather than treating it.”
