AQW 16518/22-27
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 10/10/2024
Answered On Date: 07/11/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans his Department has to (i) increase vegetarian and vegan meal options in hospitals; and (ii) incorporate more local, sustainable produce into hospital meals.
Answer:
Belfast HSC Trust Belfast HSC Trust are currently testing vegetarian and vegan products which will increase the range of meals we can supply. Frozen food is kept to a minimum. The HSC Trust currently use locally sourced raw fruit and vegetables and locally farmed raw meats, including pork, beef and fish. Raw chicken is sourced from Europe through a local supplier. (All meats are purchased raw and cooked from fresh in our kitchens. No cooked meats are purchased). Our breads, dairy produce, eggs and coffees are all from local suppliers and all other ingredients and produce are supplied from local STS approved ethical and sustainable suppliers. The Trust have recently added an exciting selection of vegan and vegetarian options to our menu range which were developed by our in-house chefs using local produce. The Trust also have a dedicated section which makes dysphagia dietary meals which are suitable for patients and clients with swallowing difficulties. This is unique for the Belfast Trust. New dysphagia products are also under development. All single use food packaging used in Belfast Trust restaurants are compostable, thus adhering to our drive to be more sustainable. Western HSC Trust Menus remain under regular review which includes service user feedback, however there are no plans currently to increase the current offering. The Western Trust food is purchased via regionally tendered contracts and suppliers are determined by the adjudication criteria for the contract. Northern HSC Trust The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) supplies a choice of vegetarian and vegan meals on all patient menus. The Trust will also provide an alternative vegetarian or vegan meal if patients require something different to the menu. Vegetarian and vegan choices are also on offer in all our dining rooms. The NHSCT takes part in the Love British/Love Northern Irish Food initiative, with the Loughview Restaurant in Antrim Area Hospital winning the award for the best participant in British Food Fortnight in 2022. This was in recognition of all the work the team had done in celebrating Northern Irish food during the national food celebrations and for inspiring other Trusts to get involved. The aim of Love British/Love Northern Irish Food is to encourage people to seek out British/Northern Irish Food when they are shopping or eating out and in doing so to discover the delights of the diverse and delicious food produced in Great Britain & Northern Ireland. They want to create a vibrant domestic market for British/Northern Irish food that gives farmers and food producers the confidence to invest and develop their businesses because they will see that there is a demand for their produce. The focus is on getting local produce into our hospitals and we have collaborated with the other Trusts to create a simple menu, which only uses Northern Irish produce to create dishes with local ingredients. The group is about sourcing and showcasing the best of local Northern Irish produce, whilst providing recognition for local food producers. The Trust also works in collaboration with Procurement and Logistic Services (PalS) to procure and use more local, sustainable produce. Southern HSC Trust There is a range of items on our patient and staff menus suitable for vegetarians and vegans. If requested Catering Departments can provide additional options to suit patient requirements. The Trust has no plans at present to increase vegetarian/vegan menu options however menus are regularly reviewed and vegetarian/vegan options are considered are part of these reviews. As contracts for food supplies are retendered social value will be considered within the procurement process. South Eastern HSC Trust South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust have vegetarian options available at all meal times; and most of these vegetarian choices are also now vegan The issue of sourcing local and sustainable produce is being led by BSO PaLS
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