Outlet is now open
Staff, patients and visitors at Hairmyres Hospital can embark on a health kick after a new shop was officially opened.
Tory MSP Donald Cameron, shadow cabinet secretary for health and sport, cut the ribbon at the Royal Voluntary Service Shop & Co store at the East Kilbride hospital.
Heralding a new era of healthy shopping, the outlet will give those working, using and visiting the hospital access to healthier food and drink choices, including fresh fruit, healthy snacks and lunch deals.
The new products, set to be served to 3.4 million people in hospitals across Scotland, will dramatically reduce calorie intake, fat, salt and sugar consumption.
Mr Cameron said: “People go to hospital to recover from illness and injury, and the ability to access healthier food complements the recovery process.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the approach being taken by Royal Voluntary Service to increase its range of low-fat, low-calorie and gluten-free options, as well as its focus on offering more fruit to promote the ‘1 of your 5 a day’ campaign and, ultimately, doing a significant amount in making our hospitals healthier places for patients, staff and visitors.”
Kevin Logan, ISS general manager at Hairmyres, said: “We are very pleased and proud to welcome the newly-restyled Shop & Co into the retail offer for all staff and visitors.”
Royal Voluntary Service chief executive David McCullough said: “For far too long hospitals have not been the most healthy places to buy food and drink.
“We know that NHS staff working in hospitals in Scotland find it difficult to make the healthy choices they want, which is why we decided it was important that we take an early lead on NHS workforce health reform.”