495358a-b Fremantle Hospital senior health promotion officer Ruth Aspinall, volunteers Pat Hilliard and Jenny Collisson and Ladies Auxiliary Kiosk manager Tony Nella.
Camera Icon495358a-b Fremantle Hospital senior health promotion officer Ruth Aspinall, volunteers Pat Hilliard and Jenny Collisson and Ladies Auxiliary Kiosk manager Tony Nella. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

More fresh food helps hospital rank as the healthiest in WA

Aaron CorlettFremantle Gazette

MORE fresh fruit, sandwiches, rolls, wraps and sushi have been introduced into Fremantle Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary Kiosk to give patients and staff healthier options.

An audit of food and drink services at WA Health facilities showed Fremantle Hospital was the most compliant with the Health Options WA Food and Nutrition Policy.

The audit showed it was 81 per cent compliant and the kiosk was offering three and a half times more green food and drink items, which are regarded as the most healthy options.

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Sparkling water, vegetables juices, kombucha, tuna popcorn, dried fruit and nuts, baked crackers and dips have also been introduced into the kiosk and vending machines at the hospital.

South Metropolitan Health Service chief executive Paul Forden said the kiosk had historical high regard as part of the community’s cultural fabric.

“It is heartening to see this relationship not only maintained but enhanced through the provision of healthier food and drinks,” he said.

“This makes the healthy choice the easy choice for the Fremantle Hospital staff, carers and visitors.”

The audit showed Fiona Stanley Hospital was the least compliant WA Health facility with the policy, achieving only 11 per cent compliance.

Mr Forden said they would continue to work with food outlets to make further improvements with the policy.

“The 2018 audit stated that half the 36 SMHS vending machines complied with the policy,” he said.

“Additional South Metropolitan Health Service analysis showed this is a significant improvement since the 2016 audit when only 15 per cent of vending machines were compliant.”

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