Patient information

Bringing food and drink into hospital

Our hospitals provide meals, snacks, and drinks for our patients. This is an important part of our care. Our menus are high quality, safe, and nutritious. We have options for a range of diets that reflect our diverse communities, and our staff are happy to help patients with their choices. Please ask if you have any questions or need any help or further information.

Why we have this guidance

We know that visitors may wish to bring in food and drink for our patients. However, when people are in hospital, what they can safely eat, and drink may change. Please check with staff what each patient is allowed, to ensure it is safe. For example:

patients may have swallowing difficulties and need foods with a different texture, e.g. soft foods, thickened drinks
patients with diabetes may need to limit sugary food and drinks
patients may not be allowed to eat or drink at all, e.g. before going to theatre, having a procedure, or because they have a particular condition
patients may be allergic to certain foods, or they may have a new allergy.

Food safety law

Our guidance is based on food safety law, which the Trust must comply with. This helps us to prevent or reduce the risk of infection, food poisoning and food borne illnesses, allergic reactions, and interactions with medication. The Trust cannot accept responsibility for the safety of food we have not prepared or provided.

Labels and storage

Home-prepared food must be labelled with the patient’s name and the date on which it was made. Food that must be kept chilled must be brought in a suitable container that will keep it chilled. We are not able to heat food brought in our wards, so food that must be eaten hot must be brought in at the correct temperature in a suitable container. Microwaves are available in the hospital canteens and used at the individual’s own risk.

Food and drink that can be brought in

Foods usually stored in a cupboard can be safely brought into hospital. For example:

Fresh whole fruit and dried fruit
Breakfast cereals
Dry or sweet biscuits
Bread, bagels, muffins, plain cakes, and scones
Pre-packaged drinks, e.g. juices, soft drinks, bottled water
Tinned/canned food that does not need to be heated.

Some foods perish. They can be brought into hospital, but extra care must be taken to ensure they are safe. These include:

Pre-cooked meals e.g. rice and pasta, meat, fish, casseroles, soups
Dairy products e.g. milk, yoghurt, cheese
Cut up fruit and vegetables e.g. coleslaw, potato salad, fruit salad
Sweet dishes and cakes which contain custard or cream
Sandwiches
Salami, deli meats and pâtés
Home-prepared fruit and vegetable juices.

Food and drink that cannot be brought in

These foods and drink are not safe to be brought into hospital:

Raw meat
Raw eggs
Raw fish or shellfish, including sushi containing raw fish
Unpasteurised dairy products
Alcoholic beverages
Food that has not been kept at the correct temperature or in a suitable container.

Further information

If you would like any help or further information, please ask a member of staff.

Translation and interpreting services

If you do not speak English as a first language, use sign language (BSL) or have a learning difficulty, our in-house Bilingual Health Advocacy and Interpreting Service can help.

St Bartholomew’s, Mile End and The Royal London Hospitals

Telephone: 020 7377 7000

Newham University Hospital

Telephone: 020 7476 4000

Whipps Cross University Hospital

Telephone: 020 8539 5522

Text Relay service for Deaf people

Our dedicated number is 18002 and then add in the number you are wanting to phone. It is available 24/7 for deaf people to access emergency services through interpreters across our hospitals.

Please scan the QR code below to access our patient information library and for translation of leaflets

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please contact us if you need general information or advice about Trust services: www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/pals

Reference: BH/PIN/1363 Publication date: August 2025

All our patient information

leaflets are reviewed every three years.