55844 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

55844 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What food and drink items were served to patients outside of regular meals as at 27 November 2023 at Whangarei Hospital, and which of those food or drink items, if any, are no longer being offered to patients?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that patients are offered a wide range of food and drink options outside of regular meals, although specific items can vary from hospital to hospital, and within different wards within hospitals. I am further advised that no cuts have been made to the types of food items served to patients since November 2023, with the exception of changes made for health reasons; for example the removal of food containing peanuts due to updated allergen management controls.