King’s Mill Hospital, part of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Medirest have received Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital Status.
The accreditation recognises work undertaken across the hospital’s children’s services to improve the experience of young patients and their families, with food and nutrition forming part of the approach to patient care.
Three commitments recognised through the accreditation are providing meals for parents staying overnight with their child, offering an up-to-date menu designed for children and providing Play Specialist support seven days a week.
Charlotte Fairall, Founder of Sophie’s Legacy and Sophie’s mother, presented the accreditation during an event at the hospital.
The occasion also included fundraising activity, with a charity football tournament raising more than £2,500.
Sophie’s Legacy was established in memory of Sophie Fairall and the changes she wanted to see within healthcare following her own experience of being treated for cancer.
Among those aims was ensuring parents could access food while staying in hospital with their children.
In November 2024, Medirest announced it would become the first hospital caterer to provide free meals for parents and carers of children on extended clinical care plans across participating partner hospitals.
King’s Mill Hospital is the first Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital Status to be awarded through a contract service provider partnership and the fourth hospital in the UK to receive the accreditation overall.
Rosa Losa, Head of Catering at Medirest, said: “We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside King’s Mill Hospital to achieve this important milestone. Patient wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues across both organisations who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible experience for the children we work with and their families. I am looking forward to continuing this partnership and further supporting the Sophie’s Legacy charity – we hope to receive this status across further Medirest partner hospitals soon.
“I’d also like to thank Nicola Lamont from our Patient Experience team, who organised the football tournament. The team raised a huge amount and the charity has committed to using the money raised to support King’s Mill Hospital, which is fantastic news.”
Charlotte Fairall, Founder of Sophie’s Legacy, added: “It was a privilege to present this status to King’s Mill Hospital and celebrate the commitment shown by both the Trust and Medirest. This achievement demonstrates the positive impact that can be made when organisations work together to put patients and their families first. We are also incredibly grateful for the fundraising support shown on the day.”
Sarah Jenkins, Matron for Children and Young People at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “Having a child in hospital can be an incredibly difficult time for families, so it is important that we do everything we can to make their stay as comfortable and supportive as possible.
“We are proud to receive Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital Status. This recognition reflects our commitment to putting children and families at the heart of their care, ensuring parents staying overnight can easily access a meal, as well as providing a dedicated children’s menu.
“We are delighted to be working with Medirest and Sophie’s Legacy to turn that commitment into meaningful improvements for children and their families and would like the thank everyone who has helped to make this possible.”