Significant differences have been revealed in how much hospitals spend on food for patients across the country.
Research by the Scottish Conservatives has shown a stark difference in average weekly spends of up to a third in mainland health boards.
There is even a noticeable gulf between the country’s two largest health boards, with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spending an average of £76 per patient per week, compared to NHS Lothian’s £102.
And in island health boards the gap is greater still, with NHS Shetland patients receiving £230 a week worth of food and drink, and Orkney patients £139.
The importance of hospital food quality and nutrition has been repeatedly raised, with experts saying it is key to helping patients make a good recovery.
However, Scottish Conservative health education spokesman Brian Whittle said the disparity across Scotland is of concern.
He’s repeatedly campaigned in the Scottish Parliament on the quality of hospital food since becoming an MSP in May 2016.
Scottish Conservative health education spokesman Brian Whittle said:
“It’s absolutely vital that hospital food is healthy, of good quality and appetising.
“If we can’t look to our NHS to do that, who can we expect to lead the way on this?
“The disparity in spending between health boards is extremely concerning.
“You would expect island health boards to have a far higher spend because of transportation issues, and everyone accepts that.
“However, it’s less clear why patients in Glasgow receive nearly £30 less per head every week than those in Edinburgh and other health boards.
“Good, nutritious food is absolutely key to patients making a strong recovery from whatever ailment they’re suffering from.
“But this data clearly points to a lower quality of meal in some parts of the country, and the Scottish Government needs to intervene to ensure there is more quality across the board.”