Is it ethical for hospitals to have Mickey D's on premises?

[SharonH, RN]

At the hospital where I am currently doing my clinicals, they have this luscious bakery. Doughnuts, cupcakes, regular 2-layer cakes, cookies, and on and on. Every time I pass it, my mouth waters. But it doesn't seem fair to me that they have this type of thing in a hospital for heaven's sake. Grady Hospital here in Atlanta has a McDonalds on the premises and they are not the only ones. And yes, it is not uncommon to see patients over there pushing their IV poles. If obesity is on the rise along with Type II diabetes and hypertension in our young people, and a hospital's stated mission has something to do with promoting health, then how can they seriously have these type of temptations right on the premises?

Yeah I know about personal choice, etc. etc. But honestly, it seems to me that they are setting up for failure those who are most vulnerable. At the very least, it's hypocritical. Your thoughts?

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Our VA hospital has a food court. At least the last time I was there about 6 mo ago. I thought the same thing. Our Vets....they are deserving of the best and so we give them trans-fats, animal fats, and plain old FAT fats?

[SharonH, RN]

Wow, I'm quite surprised by the number of nurses who think McDonalds is a fine choice to have on hospital premises. I despise McDonalds for their blatant lies and targeting of children, who are not yet old enough to realize the impact food choices have on our lives.

For years McDonalds fried their french fries in beef tallow and when found out they switched to vegetable oil but continued to "add" beef flavoring to their fries and lie to the public about doing so. Even their so called healthy meals can be a trap to unknowing consumers. The California Cobb salad with crispy chicken, creamy caesar dressing and a small coke for 710 calories and 39 grams of fat, which is more than a Quarter Pounder and small order of fries. Sure you could get the grilled chicken and a lite dressing but some people think eating a salad equates with healthy.

I'm all about personal responsibility too, but not at the cost of our nation's health. We are in a crises here in the United States and I for one won't simply sit back and hope that people will exercise their personal responsibility. As nurses, we need to be role models to our patients. I encourage everyone to read the book Fast Food Nation and really learn what is being marketed to us.

I agree 100%. Fast Food Nation would be an eye-opener for anyone who read it with an open mind. I wasn't even sure what the book was about when I started it and I was blown away by the manipulation, the marketing tactics and the outright lies from the fast food industry. It goes far deeper than any of us can imagine. And the section about the meat-packing industry should have been named "The Jungle part II" for the Upton Sinclair book. It was sickening.

[HARRN2b]

In America, it is about the almighty dollar. The dollar, and only the dollar, is the basis for most decisions in this country.

[indigo girl]

I agree 100%. Fast Food Nation would be an eye-opener for anyone who read it with an open mind. I wasn't even sure what the book was about when I started it and I was blown away by the manipulation, the marketing tactics and the outright lies from the fast food industry. It goes far deeper than any of us can imagine. And the section about the meat-packing industry should have been named "The Jungle part II" for the Upton Sinclair book. It was sickening.

I agree. So what do we do? Letter campaigns, picketing? Boycotts? I think you would find yourself alone out there because most people do not get the connection between these companies and the health of their families. Those that do, if forced to eat there by circumstance, will try to choose the healthier things on the menu, and there are some even in these types of places. I do think, however, that hospitals could take a stand through their nutritionists, and directly address the food choices that are healthier, knowing full well that these places are under their roof, so to speak. I'm all for choice, but let's advocate for them to give us healthy choices too. There are businesses that offer healthy fast food. It would be nice to have a hospital give them a break on the rent, just to have a healthy option for patients, families and staff to go to. These businesses don't have the money that Mickey D has, and need to be supported. I'm thinking smaller places in your local areas that you believe to be serving healthier food. Maybe this is not practical, but, promoting good health is not always easy, but is always worth it.

[Guest717236]

In America, it is about the almighty dollar. The dollar, and only the dollar, is the basis for most decisions in this country.

Well said. When we had a family member at Tufts NE Medical-

all they had were fast food type chains (not Mickey D's-it was conveniently

across the street).

The interesting part is they are a major education/research center

for nutrition.

Go figure!

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

I don't know if it is so much an ethical issue, but I don't think it is necessarily the "right thing" to do. I think it goes back to the idea of actions speak louder than words. Many hospitals do things (or attempt to do things) for the greater good of the community. My hospital does helmet checks, child seat checks, food drives, etc etc etc.....we are also non-profit and generally a good place to work. We do not have a fast food chain on the campus, but our cafeteria doesn't always serve the healthiest fare. They have (in the last year) added the "lean choice" to the hot line; a lighter meal that usually tastes pretty good. Also, all hospitals in my state (MO) have to be smoke free by Sept. (So excited that smoking won't even be an option for the psych patients....no more fights over that).

Personally, I haven't really eaten at fast food restaurants in about 10 years. Went on a charity spring break road trip in college and had to eat at McDs, and I occasionally eat a Taco Bell (about once every 6 months) as a treat. Subway is my "fast food" mainstay. It is more a health choice as opposed to a social statement, but I can't say my distate for the way most fast food companies conduct themselves doesn't figure in. (As an aside, my husband and I generally try to eat at non-chain restaurants overall)

Either way, I'm getting off point. Of course everyone has to make their own decisions, but I do feel that hospitals should strive to make it pretty easy to make those decisions in a healthful way.

(stepping down from soapbox).....

[Retired R.N.]

Ethics and food? What about the ethics of staffing so short handedly that nurses and aides sometimes don't get a chance to sit down and eat a meal of any kind? What about a paycheck so small that the "healthy" cafeteria meals are out of the question? Should a cold lunch brought from home be that person's only choice? Friends and relatives of accident victims may have been without a meal for a long time before they brought the patient to the hospital.

To me, at least, it seems that a little "comfort food" (even if it's a Big Mac and french fries) can be a good idea now and then. We all know that there are foods that are better for our physical health, but if I am having leg cramps due to low potassium levels, I'll eat those french fries without the least bit of guilt, and be thankful they were available, especially if I need them when the cafeteria isn't open.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I honestly think fast food joints have no place on hospital campuses. And if money is a concern, these are no economical alternative to the dining room fare....it's all expensive junk from my point of view. So YES I do pack my own, healthy and cheap lunch/dinner. It's not that hard to do and it's definately better for my pocketbook and my health.

Having these places on hospital campuses definately sends the wrong message, IMO.