Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 6 August 2019 to Question 280423, what is the remit of the review of national standards for healthcare food for patients staff and visitors started by the Healthcare Food Standards and Strategy Group in July 2018; when the review is intended to be completed; and whether the findings of the review will be publicly available.

The review of national standards for healthcare food for patients, staff and visitors is bringing together relevant food requirements and best practice from the National Health Service. The new standards will reflect Government nutrition advice, as outlined in Public Health England’s (PHE) Eatwell Guide.

The review of national standards for healthcare food is being developed alongside the Hospital Food Review and the new standards are expected to be published early next year.

The Hospital Food Review is being undertaken by a Panel chaired by Philip Shelley, Facilities Manager at Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The members of the Panel are:

- Emma Brookes, NHS Improvement;

- Michael Bellas, NHS Improvement;

- Tina Potter, Food Standards Agency;

- Rachel Manners, PHE;

- Martin Steele, NHS Property Services;

- Kerry Trunks, NHS/Ward Sister;

- Craig Smith, Hospital Caterers Association (HCA);

- Gail Walker, HCA/Open Door;

- Balwinder Dhoot, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs;

- Susannah McWilliam, Soil Association;

- Maxine Cartz, British Dietetic Association (BDA);

- Andy Burnham, BDA;

- Jason Yiannikkou, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC); and

- William Vineall, DHSC.

Prue Leith has been appointed as an advisor to the review.

The review will also consult other key stakeholders, including NHS trusts, professional associations, patient representatives and commercial suppliers. Organisations involved in the provision of food to the NHS that will be consulted include:

- Apetito;

- Anglia Crown;

- Tillery Valley;

- Brakes;

- Bidfood; and

- Healthy Food Company.

This is not an exhaustive list and other organisations may be consulted.

The Hospital Food Review is scheduled for completion in January 2020.