Trust receives ‘Golden Teaspoon Award’ for reducing unhealthy food and drinks
24/09/2018
This article is more than five years old.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is set to receive the 'Golden Teaspoon Award' at a ceremony later this week to recognise its efforts in reducing sugar consumption across its hospitals.
In accordance with the nationwide SUGAR SMART campaign, the Trust took actions like removing many sugar-sweetened drinks from sale, removing promotions and adverts for unhealthier food and drink options, removing unhealthy items from checkouts, increasing the availability of healthier alternatives, and providing healthier snacking alternatives in hospital vending machines.
The award ceremony is hosted by Good Food Oxford who co-ordinate SUGAR SMART efforts within Oxfordshire, and will take place at Oxford Town Hall on Wednesday 26 September 2018 between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.
The following day, the Trust is holding a promotional event at the John Radcliffe Hospital to celebrate our success and provide information and guidance on how visitors, patients and staff can reduce their sugar intake and make healthier choices.
Dr Clare Dollery, Acting Medical Director at the Trust, said: "We're really proud of what we've achieved in terms of reducing the availability of unhealthy snacks and drinks across our hospitals.
"A large part of this is down to the hard work and co-operation of our retailers - they've worked with us over the past few years to make sure staff and visitors have healthier options to choose from, and we're really grateful for their support.
"Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to all kinds of health problems like weight gain and dental issues, so we've stepped up and want to continue to help people make healthier, more positive food and drink choices. The SUGAR SMART campaign is a great opportunity to let people know how much sugar is in their food and drinks, and signing up to it is just one part of our plan to make our hospitals healthier."
Hannah Fenton, Manager at Good Food Oxford, said: "In Oxford’s Great Sugar Debate, we spoke to 665 people about what they thought about sugar. 96 percent of people who responded were concerned about sugar in our food and drinks, and 99 percent of people thought retailers and caterers should take action to offer healthier options. It's great that these hospitals have listened and done something about this."
Vera Zakharov, Sugar Smart UK Campaign Coordinator, commented: "We're really impressed with the steps taken by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on this important issue and proud to recognise their amazing leadership, which ranks them up with the most active and ambitious SUGAR SMART participants in the country, particularly amongst hospitals. They're showing that it's possible to take meaningful action to reduce sugar in hospitals, and we hope others will take note and follow suit."
Here for Health
For any individuals who are concerned about their own sugar intake or general health and wellbeing, the Trust's Here for Health team, based in the Outpatients Blue Area on Level 2 of the John Radcliffe Hospital are on hand to help.
The team provides one-to-one support for individuals to assess their own health and wellbeing via a 'mini Health MOT' and offers free support and information regarding maintaining a healthy weight, reducing sugar consumption, getting active, and eating healthily.
They're open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Patients, staff and visitors can drop in to chat to them - there's no need for an appointment.
To get in touch with the Here for Health team, please email hereforhealth@ouh.nhs.uk or call 01865 221429.