NHS Urged to Adopt Plant-Based Menus

A coalition of over 1,200 health professionals and organizations, led by the Plants First Healthcare campaign, is urging the UK's National Health Service (NHS) to implement 'plant-based by default' menus in hospitals. The initiative, supported by notable figures like Tim Spector and Chris Packham, is backed by evidence suggesting that such a shift could save the NHS £74 million annually while improving health outcomes and reducing carbon emissions by up to 50%. The coalition highlights the success of a similar program in New York City that led to significant cost savings and patient satisfaction. The open letter emphasizes that while plant-based meals would become the default, options for meat and dairy would still be available. The campaign aligns with the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change's new Food Systems Policy Report, which advocates for the normalization of plant-based diets in healthcare settings. Advocates argue that this approach could also address health inequalities and support the NHS's pledge for sustainability.