HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 cc354-5W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he is giving to hospital trusts regarding patients' requests to follow the Atkins diet while in hospital. [133933]

Mr. Hutton

Decisions relating to specific dietary needs for patients are made by hospital dieticians in consultation with the patient and, where appropriate, nursing and medical staff.

Government advice on nutrition is that people should eat a healthy, balanced diet. They have no plans to issue any guidance relating to the provision of the Atkin's diet in hospitals.