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Hospital Food

Posted By Rapana321

"Hospital Food"

About: Western General Hospital / General Surgery

(as the patient),

After being admitted to Edinburgh Western General Hospital Ward 57, the operation was postponed, I was told I could now have something to eat.

At about 5.45 pm I was presented with chunks of stew and Skinned Potato, all of which would have caused a major problem for me. There was a mash potato which I devoured and semi liquid ice cream, the meal its self was cooked to perfection.

The following day I was given a Blue menu card to fill in, I asked for the Pink special diet one. The nurse said we only have one menu card to give you, they then shouted to another nurse - He said he wants a Pink Menu. The reply was have a look in the drawer. I was given the proper menu and could tick every box.

I was not going to mention this event, but all my family said it should be highlighted, the same thing happened a few years back and I called to highlight this problem. I was put through to the catering and a senior staff member informed me the hospital makes up 2 menus every day, they added it was not their responsibility to give out these cards. It was the job of the nurses, my concern is for those fragile individuals who are unaware of the two menus and are eating inappropriate food.

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Responses

Response from Louise Davies, Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian last month
Louise Davies
Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 03/09/2025 at 18:11
Published on Care Opinion at 18:11

picture of Louise Davies

Dear Rapana321

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us on Care Opinion.

I'm really sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with food options and menus, and that this is not the first time this has happened. I'm glad you knew to ask for the different menu, but again I am sorry the nurse wasn't aware this was an option.

I have passed your feedback on to the Clinical Management Team and asked that they highlight this to the ward staff as learning.

Thank you again

Louise

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Response from Leanne Whyte, Clinical Nurse Manager, Surgery, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian last month
We have made a change
Leanne Whyte
Clinical Nurse Manager, Surgery, Western General Hospital,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 07/09/2025 at 12:19
Published on Care Opinion at 13:25

Hi Rapana321,

Thank you for highlighting this issue and identifying that there are some staff that are unaware of the alternative menu. If they are new to the role or new to the hospital they may be unaware of this so I have shared this with the nursing teams so they can highlight it at their daily team huddles to ensure all staff know to offer the alternative menu to patients that require it. I'm sorry this was your experience and we always endeavour to cater for all our patients as best we can.

I'm so glad you remembered about it at the time and were able to get something to eat that was suitable for you.

Thanks again for taking the time to get in touch and giving us your feedback, it's much appreciated.

Leanne Whyte

Clinical Nurse Manager

Surgery, WGH

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