How could they serve up THIS to ill patients?
HEALTH chiefs have apologised after a shocking picture emerged of food served to patients at a flagship hospital.
It shows a plate with a gooey mess that appears to include potatoes, peas and possibly chicken – all of it coated in a thick, yellowish sauce.
The food was given to a patient with blood circulation issues at the £2billion Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI), which opened in 2003.
The ERI was criticised in January last year after a heart patient’s ‘cremated’ omelette featured on social media.
At the time, the hospital apologised and promised to investigate.
But little appears to have changed if the picture – taken by Gillian Neilson last month – is anything to go by. Miss Neilson, from Prestonpans, East Lothian, posted: ‘This food is served to patients in Ward 105 at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.’
She asked NHS Lothian: ‘Is it any wonder patients lose weight and have no appetite?’
In 2018, Scottish hospitals spent an average of only £2 per day per patient on meals. The equivalent amount for prisoners was £2.58.
MPs called for a review of food and nutrition in the NHS after the figures were disclosed.
Health board director of estates and facilities George Curley said: ‘NHS Lothian expects all food served to be of high quality and we’re very sorry to anyone whose experience has been below this standard. Our catering strategy recognises the importance of good nutrition… and would ask any patients with a concern or complaint about their meals to raise these immediately with the person in charge of their care to ensure they are offered an alternative.’
Last month, Bake Off judge Prue Leith warned too many patients were being fed ‘awful, cheap gloop’ that hampered their recovery.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The importance of meal presentation and nutrition is well accepted and emphasised in our guidance on hospital food to ensure that all patients get the best possible nourishment.’