An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but, according to a new report, they may be hard to come by at most hospitals and leisure centres.

The ‘Not What the Doctor Ordered’ report, commissioned by the Soil Association, has found that vending machines in sports centres and hospitals across England and Wales are failing to provide healthy alternatives to crisps and chocolate, despite the government’s attempts to make diet and nutrition one of the six key priority areas for improving public health.

The report indicated that food high in sugar, fat and salt is the norm in many healthcare and leisure facilities - contrary to the Department of Health’s recommendations. In one case, a hospital had a ‘Burger King Takeout Night’ in one of their children’s wards.

Much of the food that is on sale was found to be fatty snacks, fizzy drinks and confectionary - exactly the kinds of foods that are due to be banned from schools to protect children’s health.

From September, strict government guidelines will prevent school vending machines from stocking foods high in salt, fat and sugar. However, this policy does not yet extend to healthcare or leisure centres.

“Of all places, you’d expect hospitals and sports centres to be promoting healthy eating and healthy choices. Venues that are supposed to be helping people become healthier and fitter should not be offering up such poor quality food. Children and patients deserve better,” commented Soil Association policy director Peter Melchett.