Children and families

Coming to GOSH

Food at GOSH

We have been working hard over the past few years to improve the range and quality of food provided to patients, families and staff.

The vast majority of food served at GOSH is cooked from fresh, using top quality ingredients that are organic where possible. We have reduced the amount of processed food and are increasing the number of healthy options available. Freshly made halal meals are available at each mealtime in the Restaurant and on the ward. Kosher meals are also available on request.

Recently, we have produced a ward kitchen policy so that everyone is clear about how our ward kitchens should and should not be used.

It contains a lot of useful information, for instance, about how food is served to children on the ward, what foods can be kept safely in the fridge and who is responsible for keeping the kitchen clean. Your ward housekeeper will explain the basic points of the policy when you arrive on the ward but if you would like more information, please ask for a copy.

We are always keen to hear what you think about the food we serve at GOSH, so please fill in a comments card, available in various places around the hospital.

The catering service at GOSH is responsible for the shop, meals served in the Restaurant, Coffee Bar and Peter Pan Café, and also provides all the food for children on the wards.

Children’s meals on the ward

Each day your ward housekeeper should go through the patient menu booklet (in a folder by the bedside) and note your child’s choice of foods for the next day. If you are not shown the colourful menu booklet each day, please ask for a copy. There are lots of choices, ranging from full meals (including halal and vegetarian options), lighter snack-type meals, salads and sandwiches. Three vegetables are available with each meal as well as a potato option. For dessert, there are freshly made puddings as well as yoghurts, ice cream and fruit.

Your ward housekeeper will provide a breakfast of cereals and toast on the ward, or if your child wants a cooked breakfast, you can buy one in the Restaurant. Lunch is delivered to the ward between 11.45am and 12.15pm and supper from 4.45pm and 5.15pm. If your child wants a meal outside of the regular serving hours, he or she can choose something from the Croc/Anytime snacks selection.

The wards have a range of ready-made infant formula for babies who are not being breast fed, so you can continue to feed your baby with the same brand as you use at home. If your child is on a special feed or diet, the Milk Room and Diet Kitchen will prepare these.

Restaurant

The main staff and visitor Restaurant on level 2 of the Nurses’ Home Building is open for breakfast, lunch and supper seven days a week from 8am to 7.30pm for hot food and until 8pm for hot drinks. The Restaurant has a grill bar, a salad bar and an extensive deli section, which serves a range of made-to-order sandwiches between 11am and 3pm.

Peter Pan Cafè

Peter Pan Café in main reception is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, serving light snacks and pastries, including pizza, sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit. There is a Costa coffee cart where you can order speciality Costa coffees and cookies.

Coffee Bar

The Coffee Bar is located on level 2 of the Southwood Building and offers speciality Costa coffees with organic milk, toasted paninis, halal sandwiches, light healthy option snacks and beverages. The Coffee Bar is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. A catering night service is also available in the Coffee Bar from Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 11pm, serving freshly made soup, sandwiches, salads, hot snacks and light meals.