Last week saw the introduction of some changes at the Launceston General Hospital. A start!

There has been a relabelling of the drink fridges in the hospital cafeteria. The Coca Cola signage is down and replaced with Mt Franklin Water. Same company but a different message.

After existing stocks are depleted they will no longer stock Red Bull or Mother.

Some of the vending machines now have healthier options. Cheese and biscuits and a nut mix in the first one I came across.

It’s not up to the 80% healthy options but it is a step by the Food Services department to change.

They are also in negotiation with the ‘Pink Ladies’ to see what can change at the kiosk level.

Great to see that one of the head cooks and I believe 2 of the dieticians came along to my presentation on Friday night. Let’s see if anything comes of that.

Alas NO inroads with withdrawing chocolates off the desks in the ward situation. The Minister of Health, Michelle O’Byrne is not willing to do anything confrontational coming into an election early next year.

Hopefully the nursing staff will develop a conscience when it comes to advertising poor food choices directly in the face of patients suffering from the build-up effects of those poor choices.

I wonder if the ongoing decision to keep selling them is based on their stubbornness and pride though! No one likes admitting they are wrong but this one remains a no brainer.