Staff at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) have been working round the clock to keep food services running for patients following a significant fire in the patient catering area next to the restaurant.
The fire – which started in the chilled food storage area as a result of an electrical fault and caused significant damage – means the restaurant is currently closed to staff and visitors until further notice.
However, a dedicated Estates and Facilities team, with the support of partners and local businesses, are working together to create an interim patient catering area, and to deep clean smoke damage in nearby corridors and rooms, so the restaurant can be reopened as soon as possible.
Paul, from Loughborough, has been a patient in the LRI for four days and has witnessed the efforts by hospital staff to keep the services running.
He said: “Despite the situation which must have been really difficult, the staff here have been great, and they have always made sure that we have been fed three times a day. I really can’t fault the service.”
Robust plans are in place to ensure that all 850 patients on the wards continue to receive hot food and drinks, including the arrangement of additional meal deliveries and provisions for patients on specialised diets, such as soft and puréed foods.
Julie Hogg, Group Chief Nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Executive Director responsible for Estates and Facilities, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all colleagues who have been working non-stop to keep our services running. Despite the patient catering area being out of action, we have quickly mobilised our contingency plans, which have allowed us to continue to cater for our patients’ needs, providing 2,500 meals across the Leicester Royal Infirmary site every day.
“It has been a huge team effort to keep the service running, and I would like to thank all our colleagues and partners for their support. We would also like to thank our patients and visitors for their understanding during this period.”
The main restaurant and seating area will remain closed until further notice. However, a range of cold food, drinks and refreshments can be purchased from the L’Eat Express café and other outlets onsite.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to the ward manager or nurse in charge in the first instance. Wider patient experience concerns can be shared with our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0808 178 8337 or email [email protected].