Sugary drinks and unhealthy meals could be a thing of the past in hospitals, thanks to new guidelines �published yesterday.

Katrine Bussey

Sugary drinks and unhealthy meals could be a thing of the past in hospitals, thanks to new guidelines published yesterday.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison launched the guidance, which has been issued to health boards.

It also calls on health staff to advise patients on stopping smoking and tell them where they can get help for drink problems if needed.

Ministers believe both patients and hospital workers will benefit from the health promotion measures, which are being introduced in key hospital areas such as accident and emergency departments, maternity wards and canteens.

Ms Robison launched the new guidelines at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Bosses at NHS Tayside have already removed sugary drinks from vending machines as part of their Drinks4Health initiative.

And the Public Health Minister stressed that small changes could make a big difference.

She said: "Scotland's health is improving year-on-year, but there is much more we can do to save lives by shifting the balance of care towards prevention.

"Small interventions at the point of care can make a big difference.

"These interventions, in conjunction with others, will help to address health inequalities and break the link between deprived areas and unhealthy lifestyles which lead to long-term illness and shorter life expectancy.

"With 150,000 staff in the NHS it is also of great importance that we promote better everyday health in the daily work environment."

Ms Robison said it had been "very encouraging" to see NHS Tayside had removed sugary drinks from vending machines.

And she said: "I am also pleased to announce today that we will shortly be setting a date for all hospital canteens to achieve the current Healthy Living Award to accelerate progress across Scotland."

Sandy Watson, the chairman of NHS Tayside, said that the health promotion measures in the guidelines would give staff, patients and hospital visitors the "help, practical support and encouragement they need to take more control over their own health and lead healthier lifestyles".