The Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) is planning to relaunch its Better Hospital Food programme. 

HCA chairman Alison McCree has sent letters to the Government and other industry stakeholders outlining a plan to rename the initiative the Better Hospital Food Service programme.

"The thinking is to shift the emphasis away from just the food," said McCree, "[and] to highlight things such as protected mealtimes, menu flexibility and the overall service."

Cyrus Todiwala, one of the original members of the Better Hospital Food panel, believes it is a step in the right direction.

"The key question in hospitals is the ultimate delivery of the food. There needs to be enough staff on the ward to ensure that food is not just plonked down in front of patients."

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