When you think of a hospital, especially if it's meant for children, you will probably not imagine a McDonald's food outlet in there.
However, in Australia, it's very real. One hospital in Melbourne, the Royal Children's Hospital, has a McDonald's outlet since it opened a couple of years ago. Now health advocates are concerned that the same thing may happen once the new children's health care facility in Monash will start operating about two years from now.
When asked for confirmation, the spokesperson of Monash mentioned that the hospital hasn't made any firm decision about it, although they did confirm that some portions of the hospital will be up for lease. On the other hand, the McDonald's outlet in Royal Children's Hospital may be staying for a while since they are renting the space for the long term.
Incidentally both of these hospitals are said to be receiving contributions from the charity arm of the fast food chain called the Ronald McDonald House. The money has been incredibly helpful in supporting families and seriously ill children.
Monash Health further said that they are developing a system that aims to help their consumers make healthier choices when it comes to food.
Nevertheless, health experts and advocates believe that the presence of these fast food chains in hospitals, no less, can still be detrimental to health regardless of how they contribute especially financially to these facilities.
One, people may think that by eating there, they are also helping the hospital financially. Second, these fast food restaurants can benefit from the perception of customers about hospitals-that is, their outlets also offer healthy food.
According to its official website, a Big Mac weighs 211 grams and has a total calorie of 530, about 240 of which is from fat. Its cheeseburger is "leaner," with 290 calories. Meanwhile, it opened a healthy café t in Sydney called The Corner. It serves Lebanese lentils and soups with tomato and basil.
