Our aim is to provide food which you enjoy and that meets all your individual needs. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform your nurse and housekeeper as soon as possible.
Mealtimes
Meals will be served between the following times (start times will vary between wards)
- Breakfast: 08:00 – 09:00
- Lunch: 12:00 – 13:00
- Supper: 17:00 – 18:00
For most wards meals are delivered and served a food trolley at lunch and supper. The daily ward menu caters for a range of different dietary requirements including vegetarian, soft, healthy heart and energy dense. There is no need for most patients to pre-order meals in advance as you can select from the options on the trolley at each mealtime.
Most wards hand out daily lunch and supper picture menu cards before each meal service to help you choose your meal. Special diet information is outlined on the back of each menu card. If you need any assistance, please ask.
Special diets
A range of special diet menus are available for those whose needs cannot be met by the daily ward menu. This includes texture modified meals, allergy aware, lifestyle and cultural diets.
Please ask the ward for information.
What happens if I miss a meal?
If for any reason you were off the ward when the lunch or evening meals were served, we will offer you a missed meal menu. Please ask if you have not been offered one.
Drinks and snacks
Breakfast, snack items, cake, biscuit, yogurt, fruit and drinks are available 24 hours a day.
A range of caffeinated and decaffeinated hot drinks, fruit teas, fruit juices, cold drinks and water are available.
Drinks and snacks will be served after your meal and between the following times (these may vary between wards)
- Mid morning: 10:00 – 10:30
- Mid afternoon: 15:00 – 15:30
Please make sure you tell the nursing staff if you:
- have a food allergy
- need texture modified food or thickened drinks
- have any special dietary requirements including lifestyle and religious beliefs
- need access to food and snacks to manage diabetes
- have difficulty swallowing
- need assistance with eating and/or drinking
- cannot reach for your meal or cut up your food
- need help being made comfortable to eat or drink
- need help when choosing your meals and snacks
- have missed a meal or have been given a wrong meal
Ask to speak to the nurse in charge if you have concerns that have not been resolved.
What to do before your meal
Before you eat a meal or snack, please make sure you:
- Clean your hands. Hand wipes will be brought to you by a member of staff before your meal arrives. Soap, water and hand gel will be available on your ward. Please make sure you clean your hands before and after you eat.
- Keep the space around you clutter free. For staff to clean your table please make sure that the space around you is not cluttered.
Who will be looking after me?
Nursing staff and assistants will make sure you receive the care and nutrition you need. They will help you to select your meals and snacks and assist at mealtimes as required.
Ward housekeepers will serve your meals, snacks and drinks. They can also assist you to make your meal and snack choices and give out menus.