Sugary drinks are disappearing from hospital cafeterias in a bid to boost health.

Scott Pearman, chief operating officer of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, said the move came after a survey showed that staff had swallowed 3.16 tonnes of sugar in soft drinks in the past 18 months.

Now the BHB catering department is phasing out drinks with more than 15 grams of sugar per serving.

Mr Pearman said the change would eliminate all sodas except diet, as well as all fruit and energy drinks containing an excessive amount of high-fructose syrup.

He added health insurance premiums for the BHB health plan had risen by 18 per cent.

He said: “The increase was a result of actual hospital and major medical claims by our staff exceeding the claims of peer populations by 30 per cent.”

Mr Pearman added that based on the sale of the most popular drinks in hospital cafeterias, more than 3 million grams of sugar were sold between April 2016 and last month.

He added: “At BHB we have consumed 3.16 tonnes of sugar, or an average of 3.5lbs of sugar per staff member over the past 18 months.”

“Although our cafeterias serve members of the public as well, the sugar consumption calculation includes only our top five brands, so total consumption is actually understated.”

Jerome Swainson, BHB director of hotel services, said that by the start of next month, no overly sugary drinks will be sold at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital staff cafeteria or in vending machines.

He added: “By Christmas, the same will be true at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.”

Annabel Fountain, BHB endocrinologist, said research has shown lifestyle changes can help prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Dr Fountain added: “Through this policy, BHB is creating an environment that supports and promotes healthier choices which will reduce the risk of developing these conditions.”

Debbie Jones, Bermuda Diabetes Association chairman, said: “The hospital is taking the first step in helping to make BHB employees healthy.

“By ensuring that sugary drinks contain no more than 15 grams, BHB is supporting the message that people should be choosing water first. Water contains no sugar.

“Hopefully, every employer in Bermuda will follow the hospital’s lead.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, also supported the move.

Ms Wilson said: “I have long been concerned about the high sugar content we consume. BHB employees see more clearly than the rest of us the negative health outcomes from obesity and diabetes, so I’m delighted our largest healthcare provider is leading by example.

“We in Government have promoted water-only policies in schools through the Healthy Schools Programme, and we are looking to reintroduce the vending machine policy for Government premises to improve healthy options.”

Ms Wilson added: “A concerted effort by the whole community to reduce intake of sugar will not only make us healthier, it will also reduce the cost of healthcare premiums.”