Food for families and visitors

  • Although The Royal Children's Hospital does not supply food or beverages for parents (unless you are breastfeeding), siblings or visitors you will find tea and coffee making supplies in the parent lounge near the ward. You are also welcome to supply your own food and drink when your child is in hospital.
    A communal refrigerator is available for general food storage in the parent lounge. You can store your own homemade or purchased food in this fridge.

    Food guidelines

    • All food must be in containers and labelled clearly with your family name, child’s room number and the date you placed the item in the fridge. Labels and a pen are available.
    • Any unlabelled food or food left for more than three days will be discarded.
    • Prior to discharge, or after three days, please remove the food you have stored in the fridge. The fridge is cleaned and the contents reviewed regularly.
    • Take care to collect any special containers you’ve bought from home within the three day limit so they aren’t accidentally disposed of.
    • There is no freezer available for family meals or food.

    There are a number of cafés, a convenience store and a supermarket on the ground floor of the hospital if you need to purchase food. You are most welcome to bring this back to the parent lounge, while being mindful of the previous guidelines.