HOSPITAL shops will not have anything to sell if NHS measures to curb the sale of sugar-rich foods are implemented, a councillor has said.

Cllr Frances Smith, who represents Little Hampton on Wychavon District Council, said the NHS should not be spending money on limiting the sale of sugar-rich food in hospitals and that it is up to people to decide what they eat.

She works at the shop at Evesham Community Hospital, which is due to introduce the ban in April.

Mrs Smith said: “I’ve always believed in prevention rather than cure and I can perfectly understand why they are doing but I don’t think it is up to the NHS, or the government for that matter, to be telling people what they can and cannot put in their bodies.

“It is up to people. We all know what we should and shouldn’t eat, especially if you’re diabetic.”

NHS England announced last April that it is battling against obesity, diabetes and tooth decay by placing a ban on sugary drinks in hospital shops unless suppliers voluntarily take decision action to cut their sales.

By April 2018, hospitals must make further efforts to ensure 60 per cent of confectionary and sweets do not exceed 250 calories, rising to 80 per cent by 2019.

They must also ensure 60 per cent of pre-packed sandwiches and meals must contain 400 calories or less and do not exceed five grams of saturated fat per 100g, moving to 75 per cent in 2019.

“My understanding is that CQUIN (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) will go around each hospital and if they’re selling something in a shop that they shouldn’t be, they’ll be awarded a bad mark.” added Mrs Smith.

“Is this something that the NHS should be spending lots of money on? There are obviously a lot of other things the money would be better suited for.”

Hospitals chiefs face losing out on funding ring-fenced for improving the health of staff, patients and their visitors if they do not ensure that four out of five items purchased on their premises go over the calorie and saturated fat limit.

Sugary drinks and foods high in fat, sugar or salt will no longer be on special offer and sales will be stopped at checkouts.

The restrictions on sugar-rich food are already in shops and vending machines at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.