Juice Bar Opens on NHS Change Day

A juice bar opened at Derriford Hospital yesterday (Monday).

The launch coincides with NHS Change Day and is a key part of the Trust's commitment to improve staff and patient health and wellbeing, by improving the availability of healthier food and drink choices.

Chief Executive Ann James has pledged, for NHS Change Day, saying: “We will support patients, staff & visitors to make healthier choices. We're working on a fruit/juice bar in our main entrance and a Staff Health and Wellbeing Centre".

Medical student Ellen Martyn was among the first to sample one of the smoothies and said: “We were just saying it’s a great idea and would be a good place to pick something up if you hadn’t had time for breakfast.”

Delicious smoothies and fresh juices are being served alongside a healthier range of sandwiches, salads and pre-prepared fruit pots.

The Juice Bar, opening under a newly developed ‘Fresh to Go’ banner has been developed by Warrens, a locally run family bakery firm, who already have a café in the main entrance of the hospital.

Sarah Widnell, the Trust’s Retail Manager, said: "This is an exciting new venture between two local organisations. Encouraging our staff, visitors and patients to make healthier choices is a key responsibility for the Trust, but we must make these healthier options available.

The Juice Bar is a very visible step in doing this, located right at the front of the hospital, although this is just a temporary home for the outlet, it is hoped that a permanent home can be found quickly.”

Hospital staff enjoy a 15% discount on all shakes, smoothies and frappes and the unit will be open seven days a week.