NHS England is calling upon patients and the public across the North East to have their say in a consultation on plans to cut the sales of sugary drinks sold on NHS premises. The formal consultation means that England would become the first country in the world to take action across its health service in this way. The consultation seeks views on an outright ban, as well as alternative measures to reduce sales of sugary-drinks. Not only will this improve the health of patients and families visiting hospital, but also the health of hospital staff.
A recent survey found obesity to be the most significant self-reported health problem amongst NHS staff, with nearly 700,000 NHS staff estimated to be overweight or obese. Rising rates of obesity is not only bad for personal health, but also affects sickness absence and the NHS’s ability to give patients credible and effective advice about their health. Dr Jonathan Slade, medical director for NHS England Cumbria and the North East, said: “Our hospitals receive heavy footfall from the communities of which they are a part, and the food and drinks sold in them send a powerful message to the public about healthy diet.” “We live in a time of rising obesity, type 2 diabetes and child dental decay, it’s time for the NHS to practice what we preach. “People are encouraged to have their say by filling in the online consultation at https:// www.engage.england.nhs.uk/ consultation/sugary-drinks/ before 18 January 2017
