This report on shared food services in health care was produced in 1996. It raises a number of questions which need to be thoroughly considered in the assessment of shared service proposals. The evidence presented here disputes the claims of huge cost savings from centralizing, and often privatizing, hospital services. Critical concerns about the impact on the quality of service are identified. Questions about public control over decision making and the impact on the local economy are raised by the move to shared services, especially when accompanied by privatization or a public-private sector partnership
