Tick of approval for healthier choices

As part of the roll-out of the Healthy Food and Drink in NSW Health Facilities for Staff and Visitors Framework about 2000 Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) visitors and staff have completed a survey.

This is what they had to say:

• 47 per cent do not believe WSLHD provides healthy food and drink options
• 73 per cent agreed its important to have healthy choices available
• 79 per cent agreed hospitals should role model healthy choices
• 103 staff elected to be Ambassadors in support of the Health Food and Drink Framework

Auburn Hospital medical administration officer and staff ambassador Louise Yazbek said it is critical to get behind the initiative.

“People are becoming too reliant on fast food and this has an impact on our health system and the community,” Ms Yazbek said.

“When staff and visitors visit our hospitals and kiosks its important that making the healthy choice is an easy choice.

WSLHD Population Health are working with local food retailers to improve the range of healthy food and drinks on offer across our health facilities.

Keep an eye out for healthier options in our kiosks and vending machines in the coming months.

To sign up as an Ambassador, please contact WSLHD Population Health on 9840 3603 or  WSLHD-CentreForPopulationHealth@health.nsw.gov.au