During the last couple of weeks, we have been working on implementing the new Healthy Choices Policy, with the aim to improve staff and community well being through healthy eating.

The Healthy Choices campaign has been developed by the state government and offers guidance to hospitals about improving food options for all staff and visitors. It involves a traffic light system where foods will be labelled as RED “Limit”, AMBER “Choose Carefully” and GREEN “Best Choices.”

The colour labels are not about banning certain foods – it’s more about making the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone.

This campaign demonstrates Northern Health’s leadership dedication to assisting everyone to stay healthy and well at work.

Over the next few months, you may start to notice some improvements to our vending machines, retail outlets and catering options. We want to ensure that there are healthier choices available to staff, at all times of the day and night.

Some of our catering teams have already done a fantastic job of including wholemeal bread and colourful fruit platters at events. We are introducing nourishing snacks to vending machines options so those here late at night can have foods for sustained energy and not just a sugar rush.

There will still be some RED choices available to satisfy a sweet tooth – but they will be in a “fun size” portion or in less eye-catching places. Furthermore, you can still bring your favourite baked goods or other snacks from home.

All we want to achieve is a healthy food environment to make our staff and visitors feel well in the long term.

To read the full policy, please click here.

Debra Bourne

CNMO Divisional Director Nursing Women’s, Children’s