There's plenty of food and drink for you during your hospital stay, as eating well will help you get better quickly. 

If there are some kinds of food you cannot eat, maybe because you are allergic to them, please let the hospital staff know so that we can make sure you receive the right food.    

You will be asked every day to choose what you want to eat from our menu.  If you find it difficult to choose, the hotel services team can help you.  If a dietitian has been to see you because you need a special diet you can ask them to help you choose your meals. 

 

 

You will have a special folder by your bed which tells you more about food. 

 

 

 

 

Mealtimes 

Breakfast - you can have toast, cereals, yoghurt and fresh fruit for breakfast. You can have your breakfast at any time in the morning, whenever you feel ready.   

 

Lunch - lunch will be brought round to the ward at around midday. You can choose from hot and cold meals and a pudding for lunch. We make sure that everything else that is happening on the ward stops for a while so that you will have plenty of time and help to concentrate on eating your food (this is called a 'protected mealtime'). 

 

Tea/dinner - you will be able to have a meal in the evening at about 5 o'clock in the evening.  As at lunchtime, you will be able to choose a hot or cold meal. 

 

Snacks - snacks are available twice during the day - if you think you would like a snack, please ask one of the hospital staff.  There should be a poster telling you about snacks on the ward.  If you are still hungry there is always fruit, bread and cereal available. 

Drinks - you can choose from squash, milkshakes and milk, and fresh juice is available during mealtimes. If you would like a hot drink we will be happy to make one for you. 

 

What happens if I miss a meal?

If you miss a meal because you have to go for a scan or test during the day, we can usually still order a hot meal for you.  If you have to go for a scan or test during the evening, you will be able to have a cold meal such as a sandwich and crisps.   

 

What if I feel too poorly to eat?

No-one will make you eat if you don't want to, but it is important that you try as it will help you get better.  If you can't eat for a few days, the dietitian may come to see you and talk to you and your doctor about things that might help. 

 

Can I have take away food or things my mum has cooked?

As your food is part of your treatment, we need to know what you are eating so we need you to choose from our menu.  You can still have burgers, pizza and pasta - we've asked young people what they want to eat to make sure we get it right. 

 

 

What if I can't eat some foods because they make me ill?

If you can't have things like cow's milk or bread, then we can get things for you that you can eat and drink.  Ask you parents or carers to tell the ward staff. 

 

Will you feed my mum or dad too?

We can only feed patients in the hospital.  If someone who is with you would like something to eat while they are with you, there are special kitchens. Food for parents can be obtained from Brewnel's, close to the main entrance to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, open Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4pm. You can find out more about food for parents and carers here.