Public Hospital Kitchen Debate Has High Risks/Opportunities

“Public Hospital Kitchen Debate Has High Risks But Also Offers Promising Opportunities”

“The proposal from the government’s crown agency Health Benefits New Zealand to heavily centralise public hospital kitchens has high risks but also offers promising opportunities,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“There is a good change management framework between the health unions, district health boards and HBL. But this must be used for robust analysis on whether this is a good idea rather than how should it be implemented. The risks are great if a reductionist position is taken.”
“Although in this environment they are not allowed to say so publicly, I’m aware that many DHB leaders are sceptical and cynical about the thinking that led to this proposal, including on financial grounds. In recent years some DHBs have brought back the food services they had contracted out because of improved service, better employment relations and financial reasons.”

“Centralisation of facilities is not automatically better or more cost effective than local provision. DHBs are not corner diaries. They are large highly integrated organisations that deal with complex issues. Local provision within these organisations may well be better, sooner and more convenient to DHBs and their patients.”

‘The issues of clinical risk, clinical implications and loss of clinical opportunities have to be thoroughly explored, including nutritious food. They are directly related to the quality of health care. Health Benefits NZ has recently formed a clinical council to advise its decision-making. There have been some excellent senior doctor appointments to this organisation. The clinical council needs to be allowed to investigate and advise on these matters.”

“There are environmental sustainability risks and opportunities to be considered including the carbon footprint. These risks including reduced nutritious food options, increasing emissions through increased plane travel (including smaller relatively isolated centres), and increased plastic packaging.”

“The opportunities include recognising that DHBs are integral to the communities they serve. They could strengthen health care by purchasing fresh healthy food from local suppliers thereby improving hospital food and strengthening the business viability of the suppliers. Even improving compost provision may provide further opportunity for benefits.”

‘We have a good relationship with Health Benefits Ltd and respect the work they do. But they do work in relative isolation, are dealing with complex issues, and do at times speak a language of their own that requires being multi-lingual or employing translators to understand. Without active engagement with those with expertise and experience there is a risk of a train wreck.”

“Let’s not undermine the opportunity that presents itself with the usual ritualistic statement from the Health Minister and his coterie of regular DHB ‘brown nosers’ that our comments have been made because we are in collective agreement negotiations with the DHB,” concluded Mr Powell.
Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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