Children, families, staff and visitors will enjoy variety, choice and increased availability of
healthy food and drinks at the new Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) when it opens in
2011.

RCH Chairman, Tony Beddison AO, today announced that the retail food precinct at the
new hospital campus will provide a variety of food and drinks in response to a recent
consultation process with RCH children, families and staff and following a robust tender
process.

‘Overwhelmingly children, families and staff told us they wanted a choice of food and
drinks, and more availability of fresh, healthy foods,’ Mr Beddison said.

‘In response to this there is a strong emphasis on healthier and lighter food choices,
including fresh juices, salads, sandwiches, sushi and a range of hot meals. In line with
our retail food policy we aim to make healthier choices at least 80% of food and drinks
on display at the new RCH.’

Eight outlets will form the new RCH retail food precinct, including:

In addition there will also be a convenience store that will provide a range of products
such as flowers, gifts, cards and newspapers, on site, run by a family business Kanjo.

Mr Beddison said it was important to provide a greater choice of food and drinks with a
focus on healthy choices, but also to provide a welcoming environment for everyone.

‘The hospital community is just like any other Australian community where people want
to meet together, eat food they enjoy and get good value for money, all in comfortable
and pleasant surrounds,’ Mr Beddison said.

‘We believe this mix of retailers offers something for everyone,’ he said. ‘Most
importantly it shows that you can respect the important rights of children, families and
staff to choose but also make it easier for them to make informed choices about healthy
eating,’ he said.

All retailers chosen have participated in an extensive tender process, including
commitment to comply with the New RCH Retail Food Policy when the hospital opens at
the end of 2011. One retailer, gelato shop Trampoline, has been excluded from this
requirement in recognition of its unique product offering and its positioning as an
‘occasional treat’ rather than a meal item.

The new RCH has taken a leadership position in the promotion of healthy eating and is
the first Victorian hospital to develop a retail food policy based on the ‘traffic light’ model
featuring Green, Amber and Red categorization of food and drinks.

The model aims to increase healthier options to at least 80 per cent of foods and drinks
(green and amber) displayed at the new RCH, while restricting less healthy choices to
no more than 20 per cent (red).

The model is based on the principles of the Australian Dietary Guidelines (2003)
developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council and is consistent with
guidelines for Victorian hospitals released for comment last week by the Victorian
Government and due for final release in March 2010.

Children’s Heath Partnership (CHP) the consortium building the new RCH will now work
with retailers over the next two years to develop the design of the retail space, fit out and
menu confirmation. Once the hospital opens in 2011, CHP will also conduct six monthly
audits to ensure retailers comply with the New RCH Retail Food Policy. Retailers will
also be required to conduct six monthly surveys relating to the satisfaction of staff,
patients and visitors.

‘This is a wonderful outcome for our new hospital, which we are certain everyone will
enjoy,’ Mr Beddison said.

Media Inquiries: Julie Browning, 9345 4906, 0402 825 265