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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been charged with violating the government’s Covid-19 rules after he was left without a mask inside an NHS hospital.
The Health Secretary appeared in a 71-second video filmed during his visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading following an independent review of the meals provided to patients.
But the clip, shared on Hancock’s Twitter account, sparked outrage after viewers noticed that his face was not covered, a clear violation of the government’s own rules.
The guide states that face coverings ‘are necessary in NHS settings, including hospitals and community or primary care settings, such as GP surgeries.’
Critics have criticized the clip, claiming that the Health Secretary should “set an example” by wearing a mask when necessary.
It’s the second time in seven days that Hancock doesn’t wear a mask when he was supposed to.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been charged with violating government Covid-19 rules after he was left without a mask inside an NHS hospital (pictured)
On October 19, Hancock received a reprimand from Number 10 after riding in his chauffeured ministerial without covering his face.
It happened despite Boris Johnson ordering his ministers to wear masks in the back of official cars last month, even though chauffeured passengers are exempt from wearing them.
In the clip shared today, Hancock thanks Great British Bake Off Prue Leith, one of the advisors on the review who sets out a series of recommendations for safer and more nutritious meals.
He added: ‘I have come to the Royal Berkshire Hospital here in Reading to launch the review on hospital food which has been led by Prue Leith together with a brilliant professional team.
The Health Secretary appeared in a 71-second video filmed during his visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading following an independent review of the meals provided to patients.
It’s the second time in seven days that Hancock doesn’t wear a mask when he was supposed to. On October 19, Hancock received a reprimand from Number 10 after riding in his chauffeured ministerial without covering his face.
“There are some hospitals like this where the food is nutritious and very tasty.
And we want that to be the norm across the country. Therefore, we accept the review’s recommendations and will follow through with them to ensure that food is part of your recovery when you are in the hospital and something you can really look forward to. ”
He added: ‘We are building 40 new hospitals and those new hospitals will have integrated first-class catering services. And one of them is, of course, this hospital, The Royal Berkshire here in Reading.
“So we will make sure that hospital food is part of people’s recovery and I am incredibly grateful to Prue Leith and her entire team for helping us get this far.
A source from the Health Department said Hancock socially distanced himself during filming and wore a mask for the remainder of his hospital visit (pictured)
Health Secretary Matt Hancock (right) with Great British Bake Off Judge Prue Leith during her hospital visit today
A Labor spokesperson told The Mirror: ‘Matt Hancock should be setting an example by wearing face covers on the NHS.
“This is a pandemic, not a public relations stunt.”
A source from the Health Department said Hancock was socially estranged during filming and was wearing a mask for the remainder of his hospital visit.
Viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
Paul Fowler wrote: ‘Matt Hancock is under fire for filming a video in a hospital without wearing a mask. Over and over again, Hancock makes a magnificent imbecile.
Rebecca Mendoza said: ‘Shouldn’t you be wearing a mask in a hospital? Come on Matt.
Speaking during his trip to the hospital today, Boris Johnson (pictured serving a meal) said that patients in hospital wards should be given hot toast throughout the day.
During his trip to the hospital today, Boris Johnson said that patients in hospital wards should receive hot toast throughout the day.
Ms Leith, one of the review advisors, said that hospital food can be “delicious, nutritious and well presented.”
The Prime Minister said: “It is very important for patients and staff to have hot and nutritious meals available in wards and in hospitals at all times of the day.”
It was “therapeutic, it is beneficial” for patients to have good quality food, he said.
During a visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Johnson said that in the 40 new hospitals that are being built or rebuilt “there will be kitchens and room facilities so that people can have hot toast at all times of the day.”
Joining the visit, Leith reportedly resigned from the Conservative Party this month after the government rejected an attempt to force trade deals to meet UK food safety and animal welfare standards.
Johnson holds up a roll in the canteen during a visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading
Digital menus and upgraded kitchens that provide 24/7 service are among the recommendations of an independent review published Monday.
The review was launched after a deadly listeriosis outbreak in hospitals last year linked to prepackaged sandwiches and salads.
The advisory panel, including Chef Leith, has laid out ways that NHS trusts can prioritize food safety and provide more nutritious meals in hospitals.
The government has said it will establish a group of NHS caterers, dietitians and nurses experts to decide next steps.
Leith said: ‘The review provides the best examples of how hospitals can serve delicious, nutritious and well-presented meals on a limited budget.
“Food is not only important for health, but also for morale. Meals in the hospital should be a time of enjoyment and a pleasure to serve. They should inspire staff, patients and visitors to eat well at home. “
Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Leon Restaurants and independent leader of the National Food Strategy, said hospitals must be a “guiding light” in efforts to “deal with the slow-motion disaster that is the British diet.”
Recommendations include upgraded kitchens that can meet a wide range of needs, from new mothers in a maternity ward to patients starving after a long fast due to surgery, and staff working nights.
In the clip shared today, Mr. Hancock thanks Ms. Leith (pictured serving a meal with Mr. Hancock and Mr. Johnson during today’s visit), one of the review advisors who establishes a series of recommendations for safer and more nutritious meals.
The Prime Minister has a drink in the canteen during a visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital today
The review also said that digital menus and food ordering systems that take into account patient needs could improve communication between dietitians and caterers, reduce food waste and provide patients with food. suitable for recovery.
An agreed set of national professional standards for NHS chefs with mandatory professional development was also recommended, including mandatory training in food hygiene and allergens.
The report said increasing the role of nurses, dietitians, caterers, and staff wellness leaders in overseeing food services could help ensure that nutritious meals are part of the health recovery plan. patient.
NHS Executive Director Sir Simon Stevens said: “Good food is key to good health, so every meal patients receive at the hospital must be appetizing and nutritious.
“It is also right that the NHS continues to play its role in fighting the nation’s obesity crisis by helping people eat well.”
A 2018 staff survey showed that 58% of patients rated hospital food as very good or good, and 39% of hospital staff felt that the food and catering facilities offered at their workplaces were poor, the Health Department said.
