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Hospital Food

Posted By Ex scouser

"Hospital Food"

About: Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre / Ward B3

(as the patient),

Every 8 weeks on 4 occasions I spent an overnight stay, including an evening meal, in the Beatson. The first 3 were on a Monday so as the menu changes every 2 weeks I was given the same choice - macaroni cheese or fish and chips, and as I have had bad experiences with mac cheese I picked the latter.

Well the fish was dry, covered in soggy bread crumbs, the chips were pale and limp and the peas were greyish green, only the addition of excessive amounts of vinegar made it edible.

I hoped that the meal would improve when I opted for the same on the second and third visit, but if anything they were slightly worse. On the fourth visit I went on  Wednesday and looked forward to a change in menu. I chose steak pie with mash thinking, great a pie.

Well the mash was greyish and sticky, sprouts, not requested, were dark green and looked burnt and came with slightly strange tasting gravy with steak. This had a flaky pastry top about 3 inches square which I literally could not cut because it was solid. I had to gnaw a piece off to try eating it. But quickly gave up. So much for a change in menu. I only had 4 one night meals so goodness knows how patients in for a long period manage.

I hope the staff don't get the same food as the patients, but I have to say the nurses and staff in the Beatson are all great and I would award them a 12 out of 10. Thank you for my treatment and friendly attitude for my short stays.

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Responses

Response from Nicky Donnelly, Lead Nurse, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nearly 2 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Nicky Donnelly
Lead Nurse, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 03/08/2023 at 17:29
Published on Care Opinion on 04/08/2023 at 07:37

Dear Ex scouser,

I am sorry that the meal experience you had whilst in the hospital, I will pass this onto our catering team. It is helpful to hear feedback from patients to help us improve so thank you for taking the time to let us know that the food quality was lacking.

I am pleased that you found the nursing care of a high standard and will pass on your comments to the nursing team.

Kind Regards

Nicky

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nearly 2 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 04/09/2023 at 12:47
Published on Care Opinion at 12:47

picture of Nicole McInally

Posted on Anne MacLeod, Site Facilities Manager

Dear Ex scouser

Thank you for sharing your feedback and I would like to apologise for these meal services that fell short of what we would expect.

We work with a two week menu cycle which is agreed by a dietician to ensure this meets the nutritional needs of our patients. We also have special diet menus to ensure we can meet the needs of all patients.

On the Monday supper, week 1 there should have been the option of Turkey salad also and dessert choices. In addition to the menu choices there are always snacks available at ward level if a patient needs these.

We carry out 30 patient meal observations on this campus each month and this includes asking patients what their experiences of catering have been and these are mainly very positive, however, we take action when we receive any negative comments.

I have discussed your comments with catering staff and we will have a focus on monitoring within this ward to ensure the quality of food served. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Kind Regards

Anne

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Update posted by Ex scouser (the patient)

Thank you for your reply. I had no problem with the menu as such, just the food. I have some photographs if you would like me to share them. I only mentioned the 2 week cycle because it meant I turned up on the day with the same menu because I attended every 8 weeks. I am not a fan of salad so fish and chips was the option I chose. I cook this option at home and purchase it from "chippys" and the meal supplied did not come close to these other options. Finally I cannot see how this ward individually can influence the quality of food supplied as all the staff I came in contact with were totally professional and caring.

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nearly 2 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 12/09/2023 at 13:26
Published on Care Opinion at 13:26

picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Ex Scouser

Thanks for your comments regarding the staff in the ward. Just to let you know that your feedback has been shared with the Catering Team so that we can improve the quality of the food supplied to our patients. If you want to send your pictures, can you please email PatientExperience@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and I can share these with the Catering Team.

Best Wishes

Nicole

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