Community Hospital Catering Information for Patients

NHS Borders 

Catering Department
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 leaflet provides information 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 in hospital. Throughout the day we provide:

Breakfast (8.00-9.00am)

• fruit juice
• porridge or a variety of cereals
• bread or morning rolls
• butter, reduced fat spread, jam or marmalade

Lunch (12.00pm - 1.00pm)

There is a choice of

• main course or a sandwich
• dessert

Evening meal (5.00pm - 5.45pm)

There is a choice of

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

Late evening snack

This is usually served around 8.00pm.

Choosing your meal

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 the next day. If you miss a meal the nurse will arrange for a suitable meal or snack to be prepared for you.

Food and drinks between meals

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

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

Other foods such as bread, jam, marmalade, breakfast cereals, soups, salt, pepper and condiments are also available between meals. This varies across community hospitals, please speak with a member of staff on the ward to discuss.

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.

Support with eating or drinking.

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

Special Meals

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

• Healthy Eating (*)
• Higher Energy (↑)
• Soft Option (S)
• 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 require a special diet for medical, religious or cultural reasons, please tell the nursing staff. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, you must tell the nursing staff when you come into hospital and you will be supported to choose suitable options.

Bringing food into hospital

We recommend that you discourage relatives and friends from bringing high-risk foods into hospital.

High Risk Foods:

• Nuts

Food that requires refrigeration e.g:

• Egg and dairy products
• Cooked rice
• Cooked meat
• Raw vegetables salads
• Takeaways

Suitable Foods:

• Fresh fruit
• Bottled/canned non-alcoholic drinks
• Wrapped/packaged biscuits, cakes, chocolate and sweets
• Packets of crisps

Catering facilities for visitors

Please ask nursing staff for local arrangements.

Protected Mealtimes

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

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. You are also always welcome to contact the catering staff with feedback at any time.

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

We hope you enjoy your meals during your stay.