My 32-year-old best friend is battling stage two breast cancer and is facing extreme complications. Daily visits to her at Homerton Hospital for a total of three weeks so far have exposed a troubling reality: the basic food options available at WHSmith and Costa are exorbitantly priced. We've noticed that items are sometimes double or even triple their usual cost, which is simply unaffordable for many patients, doctors, and visitors. Even the canteen lacks reasonably priced fresh fruit and healthier options, leaving visitors with few affordable choices during stressful hospital stays.

It's not just about the prices: it's about the exploitation happening right next to people who are already in vulnerable situations. Hospitals should be sanctuaries of healing and comfort, not places where profits are prioritised over people. Moreover, the sale of lottery tickets and scratchcards in such spaces takes advantage of those who may be experiencing distress or uncertainty about their health and future.

WHSmith and other similar outlets inside hospitals should focus on supporting the well-being of patients, families, and medical staff by offering reasonably priced, quality food options and removing gambling temptations. Providing fair pricing and removing exploitative products will ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can access what they need to support themselves or loved ones during a difficult time.

Supporting this cause means advocating for a more humane and caring environment in hospitals, where healing and compassion are prioritised over profit. Join me in urging WHSmith and similar outlets to stop price gouging and selling lotteries within hospitals, and to start offering genuinely affordable choices that cater to the needs of everyone walking through those doors.

Please sign this petition to demand a change that could lead to more supportive hospital environments and a healthier, more compassionate approach to patient care.

We’re asking for:

• Reasonably priced, more ethical vendors to be chosen by Hospitals and Trusts to provide their services.
• That WHSmith, Costa and other vendors immediately stop price gouging and fairly price their products.
• That WHSmith and other vendors stop selling lottery tickets and scratchcards inside of hospitals. 
• That there are more healthy options for everyone available at a fair price. Even the fresh fruit stalls placed outside the hospital are price gouging.