A nutritionist isn't convinced cutting down red meat and dairy in hospital patient's meals... is the way to go

Associate Health minister, Julie Anne Genter, has launched a new sustainability and health sector report.

It suggests District Health Boards serve less dairy and red meat to hospital patients, to lower the carbon foot print.

Nutritionist, Nikki Hart, says recovering patients have high energy and protein needs.

She says hospitals would have more effective ways of minimising carbon emissions, like looking at food wastage, heating and fleets of cars.