Use of Halal meat in Hospital (FOI)

Request

A

Is the meat used within the hospital halal and if so, please answer the following questions?

B

The reason for using halal meat?

C

Has there been a cost comparison on the use of halal meat vs non halal, if so please share?

D

Who made this decision to use halal meat? 

E

Are patients aware of this practice of serving halal meat?

F

If you do use halal when did this start?

Response

A

Yes, halal meat is served at all catering outlets within Jersey General Hospital, though not all meat served is halal. All fresh bought lamb, chicken and beef is certified halal.

B

Halal meat was introduced on request from members of staff and patients. Due to the operational requirements, equipment and cost involved with preparing different types of food based on dietary preferences, the decision was taken to introduce halal meat to all serveries.

C

Cost comparisons for different religious, life choice or other dietary requirements are not currently considered. The Health and Community Services (HCS) catering department continuously monitor the costs associated with purchasing different products from suppliers on and off island. Best value is always sought, ensuring the product meets the standard required for the service.

D

The decision was taken by the HCS Catering Manager following a staff consultation.

E

This information is available upon request from the patient. All patients are asked for any specific dietary requirements prior to each meal, at which time questions (such as those surrounding halal options) can be answered, allowing patients to make an informed choice.

F

The use of halal meat has been in place within HCS for several years. An exact date of the change is not recorded. Therefore, Article 3 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 applies.

Article applied

Article 3 - Meaning of “information held by a public authority”

For the purposes of this Law, information is held by a public authority if -

(a)     it is held by the authority, otherwise than on behalf of another person; or

(b)     it is held by another person on behalf of the authority.