Hello Mr Chips
Hospital food doesn’t have to be awful, apparently. How’s yours?
‘The canteen has been transformed. When I was a junior it mainly sold chips. But now they’re called “fries”.’
With a comment as acidic as the vinegar he pours on his lunch, the consultant sums up the march of time in hospital catering. A march mainly beige in colour but for the odd dab of ketchup.
About 20 years ago he took part in an investigation into the state of hospital food by BMA News, our predecessor. He was and he remains ‘name withheld’ – curious, given that he has spoken publicly on several other topics but he is still slightly burnt by the colleague who told him to ‘make your own bloody sandwiches then’ when he raised a chip in the air with a mildly disappointed expression.
His submission to the Michelin Guide goes on: ‘Helping size – good. For me at least but then I’m a big bloke who cycles to work. Opening times – dire. Absolutely no recognition of shift work and God help the [resident doctors]. Fruit – not found after detailed investigation.’
But it is not all bad news. Far away from his trust, at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, we’ve been looking at what’s on the menu.
Mediterranean garden lasagne and sticky tofu bulgogi (I had to look that one up) on the day we visited. They’ve moved to a healthier, more plant-based offering and the reaction from staff is good.
It is striking how many of the doctors bring their own food in, despite their working hours, but perhaps they’ll give a canteen a bit more time now. They all praise the variety even if a particular dish isn’t to their taste.
So, have a look at the piece, and then tell us what’s on your plate. First prize or burst pies? OMG or KFC?
Email us at thedoctor@bma.org.uk
