Sophie’s Legacy arrives at Sherwood Forest Hospitals

Medirest, the organisation that partners with Sherwood Forest Hospitals to provide catering and support services, will offer free meals to the parents and carers of children who are staying in the hospital, as part of their partnership with the charity “Sophie’s Legacy”.

From 1st May, meals will be offered to one parent or carer of paediatric patients on Ward 25. Food will include meals from the Steamplicity menus, across breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the provision fully funded by Medirest. 

Ward 25 at King’s Mill Hospital can care for up to 26 children and their families. It covers a wide range of specialities and supports children with long-term health conditions as well as those requiring surgery. Within the ward, there is also a high dependency unit, to closely monitor and treat children using specialised equipment.

Sophie's Legacy was created in memorial of Sophie Fairall and the legacy of change she wanted to create. Her time being treated for cancer led Sophie to want several things in healthcare changed and feeding the parents of children in hospitals was a priority. Sophie understood the importance of parents and carers not having to leave an unwell child if they need to get a meal and stressed the challenge of the cost associated with this issue (estimated at £15-18 a day for a parent). 

Ward Leader, Hannah Kingston said: “We pride ourselves on delivering family centred care, Sophie's Legacy is another way of helping us deliver this. We are very grateful to the Medirest team. Something as simple as access to a warm meal can make an enormous difference during what is often an incredibly stressful and emotional time. It allows parents to focus entirely on what matters most – being there for their child.”

Charlotte Fairall, Sophie’s mother, founder and CEO of Sophie’s Legacy commented: “This initiative will make a meaningful difference to countless families who are navigating the challenges of caring for a child in the hospital. Seeing Sophie’s wish come to life is a dream come true, and I am hopeful even more hospitals follow suit and ensure that parents receive the nourishment they need during these difficult times."

Russell Blake, Managing Director, Healthcare – Compass Group UK & Ireland (Medirest): “I am very proud to have worked with the team at Sherwood Forest Hospitals to roll out this initiative - to ensure that parents and carers of children are receiving good and nutritious food when their child is being treated in hospital. Our teams are privileged to be able to support in this way.”

Published on behalf of Medirest and Compass Group