Protected mealtimes for patients

Supporting good nutrition can help improve outcomes, recovery time and reduce length of hospital stay for our inpatients. That is why we have reintroduced protected mealtimes at both West Middlesex University Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital so that patients are free from as many non-urgent clinical and non-clinical interruptions as possible. 

Protected mealtimes will help create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere for inpatients to enjoy their meals. It will also enable staff to provide additional nutrition support to patients during these times.

Our inpatient mealtimes are: breakfast 8am – 9am; lunch 12.30pm – 1.30pm; and supper 6pm – 7pm.

Visitors are still welcome to visit patients over mealtimes if they are providing assistance to help the patient eat or drink or on compassionate grounds. We ask that visitors avoid calling wards during mealtime periods unless absolutely necessary. This will allow our staff to support patients with nutrition during these times.

Patient safety remains the main priority and some clinical areas may be unable to protect mealtimes for all patients. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of staff on your ward.