Food production and service in UK hospitals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply value stream mapping holistically to hospital food production/service systems focused on high-quality food. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple embedded case study of three (two private-sector and one public-sector) hospitals in the UK. Findings – The results indicated various issues affecting hospital food production including: the menu and nutritional considerations; food procurement; food production; foodservice; patient  perceptions/expectations. Research limitations/implications – Value stream mapping is a new approach for food production systems in UK hospitals whether private or public hospitals. Practical implications – The paper identifies opportunities for enhancing hospital food production systems. Originality/value – The paper provides a theoretical basis for process enhancement of hospital food production and the provision of high-quality hospital food.