Community Hospital Catering Information for Patients

NHS Borders 

Catering Manager
Borders General Hospital
Huntlyburn Terrace
Melrose

TD6 9BS

 tel: 01896 826138

Please ask the ward staff or a copy of this leaflet in:

• large print
• another language
• audiotape
• Braille

Introduction

This information leaflet aims to help you get the best service possible from the Catering Department. While you are in hospital we want you to have a choice of healthy well cooked food that you like.

Throughout the day we provide

• breakfast
• lunch
• evening meal
• late evening snack
• additional snacks available throughout the day

Choosing your meal

If you require assistance choosing your meals, a member of staff can support you. We can provide extras if you are hungry. If you miss a meal the nurse will arrange a suitable meal or snack for you.

High energy meals are also provided and should be chosen if you have a poor appetite or have lost weight.

The menus include healthier options. These are suitable for diabetes, high cholesterol levels and weight reduction or if you just want to follow a healthier diet. There is a vegetarian choice at each meal. If you need a special diet for medical, religious or cultural reasons please tell the nursing staff who can inform the kitchen and ensure you get a meal that is suitable for you.

Breakfast 8.00am - 9.00am

Breakfast includes

• fruit juice
• porridge or a variety of cereals
• bread or morning rolls

Lunch 12.00noon - 1.00pm

You can choose up to three courses from the menu. There is a choice of

• fruit juice or soup & bread
• main course or sandwich
• dessert

Evening meal 5.00pm - 5.45pm

There is a choice of

• main course or sandwich
• dessert

Late evening snack

The late evening snack is normally served from 8.00pm. This consists of savoury or sweet snacks

Food and drinks between meals

In between meals there is a supply of the following in the ward

• tea & coffee
• water, fruit squash, milk
• drinking chocolate, beefy drink
• biscuits

Where you can eat your meals

All wards have a dining area where you can eat your meal. However, some people choose to eat beside their bed.

Need help with eating or drinking?

Please let the nurses know if you need help with eating and/or drinking. A full nutritional assessment will be done soon after admission.

If you use special cutlery, plates or cups at home to help you with your eating or 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 items.

Protected mealtimes

We try to ensure you are not interrupted at mealtimes and if required are able to get help with eating your meal. Visitors are asked not to visit at this time unless they are helping with your meal.

Bringing food into hospital

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

High risk foods

• nuts
• takeaways
• foods that need refrigeration
• cream & custards
• egg and dairy products
• cooked rice
• cooked meat/fish
• raw vegetable salads

Suitable foods

• fresh fruit
• bottled or canned non alcoholic drinks
• pre wrapped biscuits & cakes
• packaged chocolate & sweets
• packets of crisps

Catering facilities for visitors

Please ask the nursing staff for local arrangements.

Your thoughts on our service

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.

Please speak to the nursing staff if you have a problem with your meal or the catering service. A member of the catering department will also be happy to speak to you.