Staff and visitors at the West Suffolk Hospital canteen have been whisked back in time thanks to a 1948-inspired menu.Spam fritters and rabbit stew are being served alongside more current fare at the Bury St Edmunds hospital to show what meals were like when the National Health Service was formed.

Staff and visitors at the West Suffolk Hospital canteen have been whisked back in time thanks to a 1948-inspired menu.

Spam fritters and rabbit stew are being served alongside more current fare at the Bury St Edmunds hospital to show what meals were like when the National Health Service was formed.

Catering manager Veronica Hall said: “Hospital food has changed a lot in the last 60 years as we can give more choice and we are now more aware of healthy eating. I imagine rationing was often tough but even now we have to work to a tight budget. We have received some good feedback and people are interested in what we are doing.”

Each day this week, a different option from a typical 1948 menu is being featured, including boiled bacon, corned beef hash, cod casserole, and fruit semolina. The 2008 alternatives include fisherman's pie, lamb curry and vegetable risotto.

Although spam fritters might not seem the healthiest of options, it was not uncommon for hospitals 60 years ago to grow their own fruit and vegetables and then put them on the menu.

Porridge was served on a daily basis while Sunday it was always roast and vegetables followed by soup the next day made from boiling the meat bones.