Sandringham and Caulfield hospitals take lead in obesity battle with ban on sugary drinks
Sugary drinks are no longer on the menu at Bayside hospitals, with the battle against obesity trumping patients’ thirst for Coke and other sugar-laden beverages.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sugary drinks are no longer on the menu at two hospitals in Melbourne’s inner south.
Drinks including Coke were removed from Sandringham and Caulfield hospital kiosks, cafes and vending machines this month.
The move followed a successful trial at The Alfred and is part of a commitment to reducing preventable disease and obesity in the community.
As part of the trial drinks that were high in sugar and had low nutritional value were removed from sight and prices increased by 20 per cent — resulting in 36,500 fewer sold.
NEW ANTI-SUGAR CAMPAIGN TARGETS TEENS
CAFES DITCHING DAIRY AND GOING VEGAN
THE KITCHEN-SCRAP COCKTAIL MAKING WAVES
“There wasn’t a change in the number of drinks sold, just the type of drinks people bought,” Alfred Health dietitian Kia Noble said.
She said Alfred Health had been working towards healthier food and beverage options since 2014.
“Those options are based on the traffic light system developed by the Health Eating Advisory Service,” Ms Noble said.
“Food and drink is categorised as green, amber or red. Red options are high in sugar, saturated fat and salt and low in nutrients and should be limited.
“We’re working on replacing red food and drink with green options that are low in saturated fat, added sugar and salt and high in important nutrients and fibre.”
Sandringham Hospital kiosk volunteer Carol Anderson said customers had embraced the change.
“There haven’t been many complaints,” Ms Anderson said.
“Kia has given our team a lot of support during the changes and I’m now working with our suppliers to replace other “red” food with healthier options such as sandwiches and cheese and biscuits.”
Ms Anderson said the change was one of many she had seen in the 20 years she has been volunteering at the kiosk.
“People seek out healthier food now; they would prefer a sandwich to a chocolate bar,” she said.
“We also now stock things like breast pumps and denture cream to help those who haven’t been able to plan for their hospital stay.”
Sandringham Hospital has a range of volunteer positions available. Phone volunteer co-ordinator Cathy Howard on 9076 1000.
MORE NEWS
BAYSIDE BEACH ROCK WALL PLAN SCRAPPED
MAN CALLS ON FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS TO SHOOT FORMER PM
DRUG DRIVER REFUSED TESTS BECAUSE HE ‘DIDN’T BELIEVE IN THEM’
‘Karen’ from Brighton’s family pub let disabled teen play pokies
A security lapse at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Brunswick — owned by the family of Melbourne’s infamous Covid-era Karen — led to a disabled boy playing the pokies.
Ultimate club-by-club NPL Victoria season preview
The NPL Victoria season is officially underway. Check out all the ins and outs and star players at every club. Plus, our premiership predictions for the NPL and VPL seasons.