§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the additional funding allocated to the Health Service within the Comprehensive Spending Review will be spent on improving food standards in hospitals in(a) England and (b) Devon; and if he will make a statement. [140489]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 28 November 2000]: In addition to the increased overall funding announced as part of the health authority revenue allocations, we announced in the National Health Service Plan that £30 million would be allocated during the next three years, commencing 2001–02, specifically targeted at improving the quality of hospital food. £8 million will be allocated in the current financial year. This funding will be issued direct to trusts and will assist them in implementing the following elements of the better hospital food initiative.
The introduction of a 24-hour NHS catering service with a new NHS menu, designed by leading chefs. It will cover continental breakfast, cold drinks and snacks at mid-morning and in the afternoon, light lunchtime meals and an improved two-course evening dinner. This will be a minimum standard for all hospitals.
The introduction of "ward housekeepers" to ensure that the quality, presentation and quantity of meals meets patient needs; that patients, particularly elderly people, are able to eat meals on offer; and that the service patients receive is genuinely available round-the clock.
The allocation of funding for the better hospital food initiative in the following three years will be informed by understanding the benefits that have taken place in NHS trusts as a result of the first round of funding allocation.