Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 20 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 October 2003. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he is giving to hospital trusts regarding patients' requests to follow the Atkins diet whilst in hospital.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he is giving to hospital trusts regarding patients' requests to follow the Atkins diet while in hospital. [133933] Mr. Hutton: Decisions relating to specific dietary needs for patients are made by hospital dieticians in consultation with the patient and, where appropriate, nursing and medical staff. Government advice on nutrition is that people should eat a healthy, balanced diet. It has no plans to issue any guidance relating to the provision of the Atkin's diet in hospitals.

Secondary information