"Hospital Food"

I was recently admitted for the first time to hospital and had my first taste of 'hospital food'.

I am writing in response to the Health and Social Care report which refers to the 'low' amount spend on patient's food at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham.

I was recently admitted for a week to Good Hope and can say without hesitation that I was very satisfied with the catering. There was a choice of cereal or toast for breakfast which is what I would usually have at home. There was a cooked meal at lunchtime which is more than I would have at home. This was followed by another cooked meal at teatime with cups of tea in between.

I could honestly say that this was more than I actually needed, particularly as I was getting no exercise. With each of these meals, you were given a choice including fresh fruit, the meals could be described as basic and not 5 star but I found them to be acceptable and nutritious.

Had I been at home, I would obviously have been paying for my food so I consider it a bonus that I was not charged for my hospital food. So, in response to Katherine Murphy of the Patients Association and Alex Jackson of the Campaign for Better Hospital Food, I would say, do not make assumptions based purely on the amount spent. I can, obviously, only speak for myself, but, in the current financial climate, if Good Hope/Heartlands are able to provide what I consider to be satisfactory meals for the amount which is being spent, then I would say well done to them.