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Hospitals across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are decommissioning deep-fryers, getting rid of super-sized drinks and lowering sodium content in an effort to better line up their cafeteria offerings with their philosophies on health.

The next step: Convincing Tim Hortons and other hospital-based franchises to do the same.

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The program, called Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals, is aimed at setting an example for society by reducing unhealthy food and drink choices and increasing healthy ones.

“There is a recognition that we can be better role models,” said Laurie Dojeiji, network manager with the regional cardiovascular disease prevention strategy. “That is what this is striving to do.”

Twenty Eastern Ontario hospitals from Cornwall to Deep River, including Ottawa, have signed on to the effort to offer healthier fare in cafeterias, gift shops and franchises. Seven hospitals have already reached the first phase of the program and 13 others should by the end of the year. That means there will be no more deep-fried food for sale in hospital cafeterias, among other changes.