Hospital food and cleanlinessHospital food

What is the food like?

Good, healthy food is essential when recovering in hospital

Unfortunately, Which? research has found that while some hospitals provide decent meals, others leave a lot to be desired.

Common problems include meals being too small and patients not getting a sufficient variety of food.

Follow our top tips below to eat well in hospital and get on the road to recovery.

Top tips

• If you are not getting the food you need, speak to a member of the nursing team straight away.
• If your hospital stay is planned, make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables in the run up to your admission.
• Tell staff about any dietary needs. You should be able to choose a vegetarian option or a meal that is suitable for any cultural or religious requirements you have.
• Don’t assume that staff will automatically know about any special dietary needs you have due to medical conditions, such as diabetes.
• If you need help with eating, ask your nurse to make sure you get it. Some hospitals operate a ‘red tray system’ where people who need help with eating have their food served on a red tray.
• Ask visitors to bring you supplies, such as fresh fruit, juices and anything else you particularly like.

How clean is my hospital?

To check the results of hospital’s food hygiene inspections, contact your local council.

A few councils publish this information online, but for others you may have to send a request under Freedom of Information legislation.

When are mealtimes?

Most hospitals have ‘protected’ meal time, which means that you shouldn't have a ward round or appointment during this time.

Some hospitals have introduced snack boxes and other options for patients to eat outside of normal meal times. Ask a staff member what your hospital’s policy is on this.

In some hospitals, meals are purchased ready-prepared rather than being cooked from fresh on site. You may have to order your food the day before.