Cafe Retreat

Patient nutrition

Good nutrition plays an important role in comfort, wellbeing and quality of life.
At East Lancashire Hospice, patient nutrition is about more than meals – it’s about listening, understanding and responding to individual needs.

While Café Retreat is open to the public, our catering team also prepares homemade meals for patients visiting our CaST department, as well as patients, and their friends and family, on our Inpatient Unit. Every dish is created with care, compassion and attention to what matters most to each person.

Care tailored to the individual

Our catering team works closely with nurses and clinical staff to provide nutrition that supports each patient’s care plan. Together, they consider what will help most – from hydration and energy, to vitamins and nourishment that support the body during illness and treatment.

This includes adapting food to suit medication requirements, symptoms and changing needs. When appetite is reduced or tastes change, we take the time to adjust meals so they remain appealing, manageable and supportive.

Respecting preferences and beliefs

We know that food is deeply personal. That’s why we work with patients and nurses to understand individual preferences, including religious and cultural requirements, as well as personal choices such as vegan or vegetarian diets.

By listening and adapting, we help ensure meals feel familiar, comforting and respectful – not just nutritionally appropriate.

Freshly prepared, with care

All patient meals are homemade by our catering team, using quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Whether it’s a light dish to support hydration, or a nourishing meal tailored to specific needs, everything is created with the same care you’d expect at home.

It’s another way we support our patients, and their friends and family, helping them make the most of life, even during difficult times.