Yesterday, health minister Edwina Hart announced plans to remove crisps, chocolate and sugary drinks from all hospitals in Wales.

Hospitals in North East Wales, including Wrexham Maelor, will be one of 130 hospitals across the country to bring in the measures announced by the government which aim to reduce diet-related disease and give patients a healthier alternative.

Andy Scotson, spokesman for North East Wales NHS Trust, said the trust welcomed the announcement and had already moved towards offering a healthier alternative to patients and visitors.

He added that the trust would be acting further on the clear guidelines that are to be issued by the Welsh Assembly on what is and is not allowed in the machines.

However, he said the guidelines did not mean a blanket ban on all junk food and patients would still be allowed to bring in "treats".

Mr Scotson added: "As a part of the health service we have a responsibility to encourage members of our communities to follow a healthy diet, and over the last few years the trust has been increasing the range of healthy options that it offers in its vending machines.

"After all, there is little point in us telling patients and staff about the importance of healthy eating and then not giving them the chance to follow our advice.

"As part of our ongoing health promotion work, water, fruit juices and low-sugar drinks are available in our vending machines, along with healthy snack options.

"However it can sometimes be difficult to identify products that meet the healthy eating criteria, that are suitable for use in vending machines, and that will appeal to consumers.

"We hope that one of the big effects of the Assembly's announcement will be to encourage the manufacturers of snack products to increase the range of healthy options that they supply.

"Of course we will not be banning patients from bringing in chocolate and other treats to the hospital. But by making sure the vending facilities are supporting our healthy eating messages we will be making it easier for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy a balanced diet."

Wales has the highest rate of obesity in the UK with almost 20 per cent of six- to 13-year-olds in Wales overweight or obese, as well as six out of every 10 men, and half of women.

A study carried out by Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales which looked at vending machines in or near paediatric departments in Welsh hospitals showed very few NHS trusts had any machines where half or more of the drinks were healthy.

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