March 2023

Western District Health Service

Numerous salad sandwiches

Overview

Western District Health Service is a regional health service with approximately 850 staff across four sites. Their journey in implementing Healthy Choices has been driven by a focus on preventative health measures to support the overall health of their community.

They have achieved commendable change, demonstrating that a move to healthier food and removal of sugary drink options does not have to negatively affect the bottom line or customer satisfaction, instead delivering positive outcomes for the organisation and wider community.

In conjunction with WDHS, we have compiled a video case study series outlining their implementation journey. View the full case study or discover the key topics.



Case study video

View video transcript

[Text displayed on screen] Healthy Eating Advisory Service. The impact on the bottom-line. Healthy Choices Implementation Case Study – Western District Health Service. 

Nutrition Australia. Victoria, State Government.  

The Healthy Eating Advisory Service is delivered by Nutrition Australia Vic Division, with support from the Victorian Government. 

[Text displayed on screen] Rohan Fitzgerald, CEO, Western District Health Service 

[Rohan Fitzgerald, CEO, Western District Health Service] In the time that we’ve implemented these changes, we’ve seen at times 30% growth in our revenue. And over the longer term, it’s been around about 10% growth for the changes that we’ve made.  

When we first removed sugary drinks from sale, we saw that product substitution largely occurred. So people went from drinking sugary drinks to drinking water. And isn’t it amazing where the expected response doesn’t actually occur in reality. And I think by taking on a leadership approach within the community, you can articulate that to people to say that there is a difference. 

[Text displayed on screen] Healthy Eating Advisory Service. For free information, support and resources visit www.heas.health.vic.gov.au 

Nutrition Australia. Victoria, State Government.  

The Healthy Eating Advisory Service is delivered by Nutrition Australia Vic Division, with support from the Victorian Government. 

[Text displayed on screen] Healthy Eating Advisory Service. With many thanks to Western District Health Services. 

Nutrition Australia. Victoria, State Government.  

The Healthy Eating Advisory Service is delivered by Nutrition Australia Vic Division, with support from the Victorian Government. 

 

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