The Northumbria Hospital in Cramlington has launched a new menu specifically designed for children, following on from feedback in a patient experience survey. Parents of children staying in the hospital highlighted the need for a wider variety of meal options, including choices tailored to younger children and those with neurodivergent needs. 
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has an extensive patient experience programme, which is recognised as one of the most wide-ranging in the NHS. As part of this programme, monthly surveys are conducted across all wards to assess key aspects such as privacy and dignity, cleanliness, quality of care and food.
One survey revealed that parents of children staying at Northumbria Hospital felt the existing meal options lacked variety. In response, the hospital’s catering team collaborated with the paediatric nutrition team to create a revamped menu offering a diverse range of meals, including a finger-food menu. New dishes added to the menu include a vegetable curry and chicken fillets & stuffing finger food option.
The finger-food menu was rolled out across the trust for adult patients but has now been added to the children’s menu to suit younger children and those with neurodivergent needs. The addition of finger foods is particularly beneficial, as it supports children’s developmental skills, including self-feeding and food exploration.
Hannah Mayer, paediatric dietitian, explained the process behind the initiative:
“Working closely with the catering team, we explored low-salt options and developed nutritious meals designed to aid children’s recovery while they’re in hospital. Hospitals can be intimidating places for anyone, especially children, and encouraging them to eat can be a challenge. This new menu provides a broader range of healthy and appealing choices to suit all needs.”
Catering superintendent Katie Wright expressed her excitement about the new menu:
“We’re delighted to introduce this expanded menu for our young patients. We know how important it is for children to have meals that are not only nutritious but also comforting and enjoyable.
“By offering a wider variety of choices, we aim to make mealtimes a more positive part of their hospital experience and support their recovery with balanced, delicious meals tailored to their tastes and dietary needs.”