Guidelines for bringing food
to hospital patients

As it is essential to adhere to required food standards, we kindly request that visitors refrain from bringing outside food or drinks for patients.The hospital cannot accept responsibility for storing, heating, or serving items prepared outside our catering facilities.

However, we do understand that relatives and caregivers may wish to bring food or drinks for their loved ones. In such cases, it is crucial to ensure that the items are safe and suitable for consumption. We strongly recommend checking with our dietitian, nurse, midwife, or related specialist before bringing any outside food or drinks into the hospital.

Food poisoning poses a significant risk to patients, especially those who are elderly, recovering from surgery, or have compromised immune systems. This condition occurs when food containing harmful levels of bacteria or toxins is consumed.

• Always prioritize hand hygiene by thoroughly washing your hands before handling food.
• To prevent contamination, remember to keep raw foods (such as raw meat, poultry, and fish) separate from ready-to-eat food.
• Maintain cleanliness in your kitchen by regularly cleaning utensils like knives, saucepans, and chopping boards.
• Avoid preparing food too far in advance to maintain its freshness and quality.
• If you're not feeling well, please refrain from preparing food for hospital patients.
• When reheating food, never do so more than once

• To prevent bacterial growth, it is essential to store and transport hot and cold food items at the appropriate temperatures:
• • • Cold food should be maintained at 4°C or below, and if it has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours, it should be discarded. During transportation, it is advisable to use a securely sealed insulated container with an ice pack to preserve the cold temperature.
    • Hot foods, on the other hand, must reach a minimum temperature of 70°C to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria. They should be consumed within four hours of being prepared. To keep hot food steaming during transportation, a well-sealed thermos or insulated container is recommended.