We also presented an award recognising the first NHS catering outlet to achieve the new higher level healthyliving award plus, which places a greater emphasis on the provision and promotion of healthier food options. This was presented to NHS Ayrshire and Arran for Ailsa Courtyard Restaurant at Ailsa Hospital.  By March 2011 all NHS outlets across Scotland will be required to achieve this higher level of award.

The award ceremony took place at the Health Promoting Health Service Conference in Edinburgh, where the awards were presented by Dr Aileen Keel, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

Catering within the NHS, relating to staff and visitor food, has been identified by the Scottish Government as a priority for the healthyliving award.

In 2008, a letter sent from the Scottish Government to NHS Chief Executives encouraged all NHS Boards to participate in the healthyliving award.  Later that year, the Scottish Government directed NHS Boards to ensure that all hospitals with catering facilities for staff and visitors register for, and then achieve, the award by 31 March 2009.

Within the NHS, the award works closely with staff and visitor catering; in-patient hospital catering is not eligible for the award.

Congratulations to all the NHS caterers who have achieved the award!