In most of our wards we ask you to order your meal in advance. Staff will ask you to pick a meal choice from the menu you’ll find at, or near, your bedside. You can also view the menus here:
The ward staff will let you know how to order your meals on your ward. All wards have the same food available.
Other information
Our patient menus
- Gluten free
- Food allergies
- Low Fibre/Low residue
- Low potassium/No added salt
- Vegan
- Kosher
- Halal.
We cater for patients with food allergies and can provide alternatives to bread and milk and snacks such as gluten free bread, soya milk and yogurts.
We also have a range of International Dysphagia Diet Initiative (IDDSI) compliant texture modified diets for patients with chewing or swallowing problems.
Please make sure you tell your nurse if you need a special/alternative diet.
Meal options
On our main menu some of the meal options contain more energy (calories) and these choices are better if you have a small appetites or you need to gain weight. These choices are indicated by this symbol:
The “heart” symbol indicates healthier choices. These dishes have controlled amounts of fat and sugar and are suitable if you wish to eat healthily, have diabetes, are following a lower fat diet or are trying to lose weight:
We comply with Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 where we can provide you with information about the allergen content of our meals. If you need to know the allergen content of our meals please ask a member of the ward staff.
Drinks and fluid
It is important that you drink enough whilst you are in hospital. Fluids play an important role in keeping you well and helping you recover. Try and drink plenty. We recommend about 8-10 cups a day. Nursing staff will encourage you to drink throughout the day.
A jug of fresh water will be provided at your bedside. The jugs are cleaned and refreshed twice a day. If you run out of fresh water at any time please ask for it to be topped up.
Hot drinks including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and malted milk are available throughout the day as part of the beverage service. We also offer a choice of drinks, including milk, with all your meals.
Some patients will be on fluid restriction and require fluid intake to be managed as part of their clinical care. Nursing staff will advise you if this is the case.
When food becomes difficult
Menu options
Sometimes when you are in hospital, you might be off your food and find it difficult to eat and drink. If you are struggling to eat please talk to your nurse. We will help by ordering you a smaller portion of your meal or by helping you to select one of our lighter options such as omelettes, soups, salads and sandwiches.
On our menu some of the meal options are high in calories and these choices can be useful to choose if your appetite is poor. These choices are indicated by a star symbol:
Our ward staff can help you choose.
Snacks
There are snacks available on the ward too so please ask a member of ward staff if you would like something in between our meal service.
Nutritional screening
During your stay in hospital, nursing staff will carry out ‘nutritional screening’. This assessment will include finding out what you like to eat and drink, any dietary requirements as well as measuring your height and weight. This assessment sometimes referred to as malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) allows nursing staff to assess if you at risk of undernutrition.
Difficulty swallowing
Some patients may have swallowing problems associated with certain illnesses or types of surgery. These can be temporary or longer term. If you have any difficulties the Speech and Language Therapist can assess you and recommend the most suitable types of food stuffs to help with your problem. These are called texture modified diets and special menus are available.
For patients who are receiving palliative care or end of life care, staff will regularly review their eating and drinking needs (this is sometimes called nutrition and hydration). Staff will explain and discuss the benefits and side effects of eating and drinking, with the patient, their relatives, carer or friend.