asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the Liverpool Area Health Authority has cut down on patients' food on grounds of economy; and if he will make a statement.
Liverpool Central/Southern District (Teaching) District Management Team, with the support of Liverpool Area Health Authority (Teaching), introduced a new patients' meals menu policy with effect from 13th December 1976. The new policy is to serve a "continental breakfast" comprising fruit juice, cereal, toast or rolls and beverage. The three course evening meal is also being reduced to two courses. Before deciding to make this change the District Management Team undertook trials in a number of selected hospitals from which it was apparent that the change was generally welcomed by a majority of patients. This policy is intended to achieve economies in provision costs without detriment to patients welfare. It does not apply to children's hospitals or to patients needing specialised diets.