Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Meals available
A full two-week menu is available for:
- Breakfast (07:45-09:00)
- Lunch (12:00-14:00)
- Supper (17:00-19:00)
If you would like to discuss the menu, or snacks available please speak with nursing staff or ward host.
Snacks and drinks available
- Fresh whole fruit (not pre-cut)
- Cheese and biscuits or ice-cream
- Sandwich of the day
- Juice couplets and hot drinks
- Yogurt / Jelly
Special Dietary Requirements:
If you need support with eating or have specific dietary requirements, please speak with nursing staff or ward host.
Allergen safety
If you are aware of having an allergy or an intolerance to food please let the staff know immediately. The Trust provides a 14 allergen free menu and has an allergy folder on each ward which you can request if you would like to learn more.
Patients with allergies must wear a red wristband; anyone bringing food must be made aware.
Nuts and nut products are not allowed on the ward.
The Trust cannot verify allergens in food prepared at home.
How you can support food intake.
We understand that families may want to bring familiar food to support eating. Please refer to the ward poster: ‘Bringing food and drink items into hospital - Information for staff, patients, and patient’s relatives/carers’ This guides suitable food options and provides food safety recommendations.
Please always check with the nursing team first. This keeps the patient safe, especially if they have swallowing difficulties, diabetes, allergies, are nil-by-mouth or are immunocompromised.
Food and drink that can be safely brought in
These items do not require refrigeration and can be stored in the patient’s bedside locker:
- Biscuits
- Individually wrapped cakes or cereal bars
- Sweets / Chocolate / Crisps
- Whole, washed fruit (not pre-cut, no melon)
- Tinned fruit
- Fruit squash / cordials / mineral water / flavoured water.
Please remember:
- Bring fresh fruit in small amounts and eat within 24 hours.
- Keep all items covered or in airtight containers
- Always check Use By / Best Before dates.
- Food must not be shared with other patients.
If you prefer to buy food from our coffee shop or restaurant, you must follow the same rules.
Why bringing in hot or chilled food isn’t recommended
Although it may feel simple to bring in food from home, there are important safety risks.
Hospital patients can be more vulnerable to food poisoning, especially from chilled or hot foods such as sandwiches, salads, cooked meats, curries or dairy products.
A particular risk is Listeria, a bacteria that can grow even at fridge temperatures and can be dangerous for unwell or vulnerable people.
Because of these risks:
- The hospital cannot reheat any food brought from home.
- The hospital cannot refrigerate or keep food warm.
- The hospital cannot store food in ward kitchens.
- Some foods are not allowed due to the risk of Listeria or allergies.
- The Trust is not obliged to provide plates or cutlery.
If chilled or hot food (e.g. sandwiches, salads, cream cakes, home-made and take away meals) is still brought in. You must follow strict safety rules:
- Must be eaten within 2 hours of being taken out of the fridge, prepared/ cooked/.
- Must be thrown away after 2 hours.
- Must not be shared with other patients.
These rules cover food from:
- Hospital cafés and restaurants
- Hospital shops and charity cake stalls
- Any food bought outside the hospital
Foods that must not be brought in
These foods have been linked with Listeria and are not permitted:
Smoked fish, cooked meats or poultry, cured meats, pâté, pre-packed sandwiches, prepared salads, soft blue veined cheeses, mould – ripened cheeses, cooked shellfish, some cut fruit, including melon.
Responsibility
If you choose to bring food from outside the hospital, you accept responsibility for following these safety rules.
You will be asked to sign a form to confirm you understand the risks and guidance. Speak with the Nurse in charge.
The Trust cannot be held responsible if someone becomes unwell from food or drink brought in from outside.
Food and snack options available in the hospital
We offer a wide range of safe, nutritious meals, drinks and snacks every day.
All our food:
- meets national nutrition guidelines
- is freshly prepared in a controlled environment
- supports your medical, cultural and personal needs
- includes allergen free, texture-modified and finger food menu options.
About this information
Reference:
DD/035
Approval date:
6 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.