United Kingdom-Hosptial meat fiasco.

UNITED KINGDOM- The NHS plans to offer patients menus that have a no-meat option as part of a strategy published this week to cut global warming emissions across the service.

The strategy covers proposals ranging from more phone-in GP surgeries to closing outpatient departments.

Fewer meat and dairy products on menus to cut carbon emissions is among the suggestions.

The move comes a year after United Nations climate chief Rajendra Pachauri provoked a global debate by saying that having a meat-free day was the biggest contribution people could make to cutting carbon emissions in their private life, due to the chemicals sprayed on feed crops and the methane emitted by sheep and cattle.

Other plans include curbing car use, re-using more equipment and asking surgeons to visit people at their nearest GP’s surgery.

Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Paula Clark (pictured) said: "The trust is continually looking at ways in which to reduce its carbon footprint but so far we have not taken steps to limit the amount of meat offered to patients.

"If we are asked to consider doing so, as part of a national strategy, then we will discuss the matter further.

"However, I believe patients should have a choice and we would seek their views on the subject before making a decision.

"The trust has already embarked on direct action to reduce its carbon footprint."