HSE to reduce ‘junk’ in vending machines

The HSE is set to scrap unhealthy vending machines on hospital wards — just days after senior ministers claimed a similar policy could not be imposed in Irish schools.

An expert member of the Government’s special action group on obesity confirmed the move is likely to be imposed later this year in a bid to help patients in their battle against the bulge.

Speaking just days after Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said junk food vending machines cannot be banned from Irish schools, consultant endocrinologist Prof Donal O’Shea revealed a near identical policy will be imposed in hospitals.