NHS England Senior Operational Manager, Phil Shelley visited our Children's Ward at Calderdale recently, to look at the fantastic work our teams on the ward are doing to implement the Sophie's Legacy initiative.
Sophie's Legacy aims to improve the experience of children, and their families in hospital. Children's Ward Matron, Fiona Stuttard, and a few of her colleagues attended a webinar where Sophie's mum, Charlotte, spoke about her experience and the difficulties faced by parents or carers when their child is in hospital. The team decided to implement Sophie's Legacy in their own practice to help families coming to our Trust.
The team have been working closely with ISS, our facilities management partner at Calderdale Royal Hospital, to provide meals for resident parents or carers with a child on the ward. They are able to offer either a voucher or a warm meal, which can help parents and carers stay close to their child without having to leave the ward to find food for themselves.
The teams continue to work together to improve the experience for children and their families on our Children's Ward. Fiona said: "We are looking to improve the food on offer for children, so that they have food that isn't just off of the adult menu, to help ensure the nutritional value is right for them. We want to work alongside Sophie's Legacy who see the food agenda as a priority."
Phil Shelley is also the National Lead for Net Zero Food and after his visit said: "What an impressive visit today. The hospital setting, ward focus on the children's environment and such a strong ambition to be in the best position possible for patients, parents and carers.
"What is also critical, is the relationship between ward level, dietitians and the catering team, and the conversations today proved that this is in a robust position. Having a proactive relationship between the Trust and facilities management providers is essential, as is the one that you have with ISS. Congratulations to all involved, this is something that has grown into a positive contractual and professional agreement."
Sophie's mum, Charlotte, has thanked the teams for their dedication to ensuring the aims of Sophie's Legacy become business as usual.
