This information leaflet aims to help you get the best service possible from the Catering Department. We want to ensure that you are given a choice of nutritious and enjoyable foods whilst you are in hospital.

Throughout the day we provide:

Breakfast: 07:55 - 08:20am

Breakfast includes:

fruit juice

porridge of a variety of cereals

bread or morning rolls

butter, reduced fat spread, jam or marmalade

Lunch: 11:55 - 1.00pm

Lunch:

There is a choice of main course or sandwich

dessert

Evening meal 4.40 - 5.30pm

There is a choice of:

fruit juice or soup

bread

main course or a sandwich

dessert

Late evening snack

A member of staff on your ward will ask you to choose from a menu, assisting you with your choices if required. these meals will be provided to you next day. If you miss a meal the nurse will arrange a suitable meal or snack to be prepared for you.

In between meals there is a supply of the following on the ward:

biscuits

tea, coffee, beefy drink, hot chocolate

fruit squash

milk

Breakfast cereal, milk, bread, jam, marmalade, butter are also readily available between meals. speak to a member of staff on the ward and they can request these from the kitchen.

Some wards have a dining area where you can eat your meal. However most people eat their meal on a table beside their bed

Please let the nurses know if you need help with eating and or, drinking.

If you use special cutlery, plates or cups at home to help you with your eating and drinking, you can bring them into hospital with you. Please label them with your name. Otherwise the nurses can arrange for you to have the correct cutlery, plates or cups.

Menus include coding in order to help you make suitable meal choices. These include:

Healthy Eating(*) these meals are lower in energy and fat so are suitable for anyone who is trying to maintain a healthy weight or is overweight. They are also a good choice for people with heart disease or diabetes.

Higher Energy(!) are higher in energy and protein so a good menu choice if you have a poor appetite, have lost weight before coming into hospital or if you have a low weight. Snacks are also available between meals and in the evening which can also help you increase your energy intake if you can only manage small portions at meal times.

Soft Option(S) these meals are able to be mashed with a fork, so need less chewing.

Vegetarian(V) there will always be a vegetarian choice at each meal. You can find more details about dietary codes on the back of your menu.

If you have a special diet for medical, religious or cultural reasons, please tell the staff.

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, you must tell the nursing staff when you come into hospital as most of the dishes can be adapted to your needs. Please ensure the top of each menu is marked with the diet you require and the catering department will be able to provide a suitable meal.

We recommend that you discourage relatives and friends from bringing in high risk foods

High risk foods

Foods that need refrigeration. These can sometimes be stored in ward fridges with your name on them however we recommend that relatives avoid bringing in the following products:

egg products

cooked rice

cooked meat

raw vegetable salad

takeaways

nuts

Suitable food

fresh fruit (washed but not prepared)

bottled / canned non alcoholic drinks

wrapped biscuits / cakes

wrapped biscuits / cakes (but not with a cream or custard fillings), chocolate and sweets

packets of crisps

At mealtimes, as far as possible, non-essential activities on the ward stop so meals can be served and allow staff to dedicate their time to the meal service. If you are off the ward for a procedure at a mealtime, a meal or snack will be available on your return.

The Dining Room is on the first floor and open from 7.15am to 7.30pm serving a variety of hot meals and snacks throughout the day. There is also an RVS shop at the main entrance.

The Catering Department may ask you to fill in a short survey while you are in hospital. This will help us to improve the service and menu choices. You are always welcome to contact the catering staff with feedback at any time.

If you have a problem with your meal or the catering service, please speak to the nursing staff. A member of the catering staff will also be happy to speak to you.

We hope you enjoy your meals during your stay.