Overview

This bill aims to improve the quality of hospital food in England. It mandates the creation of food standards for hospital food, overseen by a panel of experts, and enforced through Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections. Non-compliance could lead to hospital registration suspension.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State for Health to establish a body of experts to develop standards for hospital food within one year of the bill becoming law. These standards must consider healthy and sustainable food practices, including environmental impact, animal welfare, and the varying nutritional needs of patients.

Expert Panel and Standard Setting

This expert panel will comprise representatives from government, industry, professional bodies, and relevant organizations. The standards will apply only to publicly funded patient meals, excluding food purchased by staff or visitors.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Role

The CQC will incorporate these standards into their annual hospital inspections. The Secretary of State will publish an annual report on compliance. Failure to meet standards could result in the CQC suspending a hospital's registration. The Secretary of State can direct the CQC to take action against non-compliant hospitals.

Exemptions

Exemptions to the standards include food provided by commercial or charitable organizations under lease agreements, food sold at fundraising events or cultural celebrations, and medically prescribed diets.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely involve establishing and maintaining the expert panel, incorporating the new standards into CQC inspections, and potential enforcement actions against non-compliant hospitals.

Groups Affected

• Hospitals: Will be subject to new food standards and CQC inspections. Non-compliance risks registration suspension.
• Patients: May benefit from improved food quality and nutrition.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC): Will have an expanded role in overseeing hospital food standards.
• Secretary of State for Health: Responsible for establishing the expert panel, reviewing standards, and overseeing enforcement.
• Food Suppliers: May need to adapt to meet the new standards.
• Commercial and Charitable Organizations operating within hospitals: May be exempt depending on the specific nature of their operations.

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