Since 2021 we have been trading in the main entrance of North Manchester General Hospital bringing in, daily, all the best fruit and veg that New Smithfield Market has to offer. 
By supplementing this with nuts, dried fruits and no added sugar drinks we have created a wonderful varied display of produce that our customers have taken to their hearts. Our business has grown to the point where we have been able to employ several local people to assist with the workload and so been able to give back to the community that has supported us these last 4 years. 
It therefore came as a complete shock when we were recently told that we would have to vacate the space we are trading in to make way for a WH Smiths outlet and that there may not be an alternative space available for us within North Manchester General Hospital.
We are concerned not just for ourselves and our business but especially our customers.
It seems that government guidelines regarding the need for improving healthy food offerings in hospitals are being sidestepped to the detriment of choice for the Hospital Staff and patients. Many of our customers are patients who are unable to buy fresh produce elsewhere during their hospital recuperation and their carers particularly value the shop as they can step away from their loved one's bedsides, to quickly pick up something healthy and tasty without having to leave the building. 
It does seem particularly shortsighted replacing an independent, local greengrocer with over 30 years experience when our offering fits perfectly with Government recommendations for Hospital foods.  NHS England's Health & Wellbeing CQUIN (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) set national targets for healthy food and drink in hospitals. These targets include the removal of unhealthy food and drink and making more healthy options available to patients, visitors, and staff. We are bemused that at this time scant regard is being given to the wellbeing choices of all within the Hospital.
If you are able to sign our petition it would really add support to the understanding that healthy outlets such as Have a Banana are vital to Hospitals, Hospitals Staff and patient health and shouldn't be pushed aside to make space for National Retailers without suitable and agreeable alternative locations already put in place. 
Please help us by sharing the petition with as many people as possible.  We know we have the support of the Staff and patients but do need to raise awareness with the wider community both locally and nationally.
Thanks for reading - the Staff at Have a Banana