"From this day forth the vending machines at the Pediatric Clinic are in full compliance with the recommendations of the expert Andreja Širca Čampa. From the waiting room for young patients all the drinks with added sugar and sweets were removed, which presented an uncalled-for temptation to them," was reported from the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. In the next days they also intend to widen the choice of water of different tastes without added sugar offered in vending machines.

The employees still have sugar at their disposal
A number of vending machines at the Pediatric Clinic, intended exclusively for employees and students, still offer the usual choice, as both healthcare and other workers have the right to choose their own diet. In the premises intended only for the employees a vending machine with ice cream made by a Slovenian producer was installed following the wishes of the employees. All the vending machines are equipped with leaflets encouraging the drinking of water.

The target (Tarča) hit the bull's eye
"After the head of the Pediatric Clinic last week criticized the offer in vending machines at the Pediatric Clinic, and also said, which was incorrect, that a vending machine with sugary drinks can be found at the entrance of his clinical department, and that he had no influence whatsoever on that, the management immediately appealed to the head of the Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, Ms Andreja Širca Čampa, to revise the offer in all the vending machines, and to suggest improvements," they reacted to the warnings given in the show Tarča na TV Slovenija.

Strict prohibition gives no results
Andreja Širca Čampa believes that "we will never be able to completely avoid sugar, " and that "orthodox" ban has never given the desired results. "There are some children and adults for whom sugary drinks represent a precious source of energy, which they need when sick, and we shouldn't forget that such individuals come to the same waiting room for a hospital examination (anorexia, haematological patients, patients with altered taste perception...)."

In vending machines for food and drinks a rather small part, i.e. only one third of the available space, is intended for plain water, mineral water, natural yoghurt, and sandwiches, while the larger part is filled with chocolate, sweet snacks, and sugary drinks, yet we should emphasize that these vending machines are intended only for the employees.

Inside the clinic only water and fruit should be available
Širca Čampa therefore suggested that in the vending machines in the clinic's waiting room only water, mineral water, natural yoghurt, 100-% pure fruit juice, fresh and dry fruit (apples), nuts, and trail mix should be available, perhaps along with some crackers and sandwiches.

She also advised that providers of the vending machines should gradually introduce new, additional healthy snacks. She suggests a vending machine for fruit, as can be found in the hall of the University Medical Centre main building.

S. B. L., J. B. Translated by G. K.