CONTROVERSIAL plans to reduce the portion sizes of hospital meals have left some staff with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Chips, mashed potatoes, and rice are being rationed at the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospitals as part of moves to encourage staff and patients to eat healthier.

But some medics and support staff are said to be considering boycotting the canteens at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust sites in protest at the new strategy.

In a letter seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, hospital nutritionist Zac Rayson said a number of new salads, falafel and lentil tabbouleh have been trialled by the trust.

He said: "You may feel as though you are being dictated to or that we are cost-cutting.

"Yet in reality we are employing a greater level of evidence-based practice to improve the health and wellbeing of our visitors and patients and ideally, in the long-term, alleviate some of the pressures caused by diet-related disease on the NHS."

He has blamed the food industry for apparently normalising 'distorted portions' and cited a 2013 study which was said to show that 700,000 of the NHS's 1.2million workforce are either overweight or obese.

However one whistleblower, who did want to be named, said feelings were running high among hospital staff over the issue.

He said: "Zac Rayson has no right in wanting staff to go on diets.

"He should be made aware that everyone has the right to make their own choices.

"I feel that it's very patronising for all concerned."

Countywide more than two out of three people are estimated by public health experts to be living with 'excess weight', with that figure rising to 68.6 per cent in Blackburn with Darwen, 69 per cent in Pendle, 69.2 per cent in Burnley and 69.6 per cent in Hyndburn.

Russ McLean, chairman of East Lancashire Patients Voice, has been working with the hospitals trust after new guidance was issued by the Department of Health on food provisions.

He said: "I would like to see common sense prevail here. Healthy eating has to be a way of life and staff should be setting an example.

"Certainly when I've eaten at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, I've had chips piled on my plate to the extent that it's over-facing.

"While no-one has the right to tell people how to diet, it's important to engage with staff about what they are eating."

Tracey Hugill, the hospitals trust's dietetics head, said: "As an important part of our efforts to prevent disease and protect health, the trust takes our responsibility to promote healthy, nutritious food seriously.

"Our new portion sizes for chips, mashed potatoes, rice and vegetables are based on guidance from healthyfood.co.uk and aim to actively challenge unhealthy eating habits, while offering a choice of food at affordable prices.

"In fact, portion sizes for healthy foods have been increased.

"For patients, getting hospital food and drink right is critical and should be considered an important part of someone's medical care.

"For staff and visitors, the trust offers a large selection of food and drink in our restaurants and vending machines, including a more extensive menu.

"Customers who choose chips will be happy to know that, at 75 pence per portion, our restaurant chips still represent excellent value for money."

Healthwatch Lancashire conducted a survey of food provisions in acute medical wards at the Royal Blackburn last year, with most feeling that the food was 'appetising' and portion sizes were 'adequate'.