The main aim of the catering staff at the Treatment Centres is to provide healthy varied menus which complement the treatments patients receive.

We are very proud of our catering staff at both sites. The catering team at Castlebrae has been recognised for its commitment to serving healthier food, winning the Healthy Living award which is open to all kinds of catering establishments from sandwich shops to staff restaurants. The high standards demanded by the award are aimed at helping to improve diets across Scotland. Although no similar standard is set for England and Wales, St Andrews at Harrogate follows similar principles and standards.

The catering team at St Andrews have been awarded 5 Stars for food hygiene in Harrogate Borough Council Environmental Health services’ ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme. Again the same standards can be seen at Castlebrae in Scotland. The St Andrew’s team also enjoy growing their own fruit, veg and herbs and use this seasonal produce in their cooking. Castlebrae also has a greenhouse and a herb bed, and productive apple trees which provide produce for the kitchen.

Healthy Eating
There is a wide choice of meals available at the Treatment Centres but in particular the catering teams want to ensure everyone is informed of the healthy choices available on the menu.
 Food preparation and cooking methods have changed over the years with more emphasis on retaining goodness and nutritional value. Both Treatment Centres offer healthy options and all food is freshly prepared and locally sourced.
Most of the dishes are prepared using cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, poaching and baking. Olive oil is used more in the cooking process than other fats and oils. In addition to this, the chefs have a sound understanding of differing dietary requirements. For example the team can cater for allergy sufferers, people with cardiac problems, diabetes, coeliac and those whose diet relates to their religious beliefs.

What we can do for our patients.
Patients’ dietary requirements are important to the team and we encourage people to come and discuss their needs so a suitable menu can be planned accordingly. Patients can submit their dietary requirements on their admission form so we can better plan ahead to meet their needs.

There are a number of meal options provided each day and the menus allow patients to mix and match depending on needs and tastes. For patients who are watching their weight (or would like a kick-start to lose weight):

• Half portions are available
• Fresh fruit salad is prepared daily as a healthier alternative
• Baked potatoes are available every lunch time along with a salad bar
• Healthier eating choices are also available on our menu

Meal times at the two Treatment Centres are pre-set; however flexibility is always available for patients who may have early physio appointments.