HOSPITAL chiefs believe new plans by the NHS to improve catering could lead to funding problems.

The South Durham NHS Trust, which runs Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital, said it would be difficult to meet the "six-figure sum" brought about by the new rules.

By December, there will be a 24-hour NHS catering service and a new menu designed by leading chefs.

The minimum standard for all hospitals will include breakfast, drinks and snacks, light lunchtime meals and an improved two-course evening meal.

A national franchise will be set up for the NHS catering, but the cost will have to be met by individual trusts.

John Saxby, chief executive of the South Durham trust, said: "There is a cost to this which will be difficult to meet at the moment."

He said the main problem would be the cost of free snacks available 24 hours a day.

"There is a difference between being at home and being able to raid your own pantry any time you want, and being in an institution where there are set times," he said.

"The expectation is that there will be food available 24 hours a day.

Some hospitals will have new ward housekeepers in place by 2004 to ensure the quality, presentation and quantity of meals meets patients' needs.