There was lots of positive feedback about the meals served on the wards at Hairmyres Hospital at a tasting session for outpatients, visitors and staff.

A mouth-watering selection of the hot and cold food offered as lunches and evening meals was available to sample, including gluten-free options.

Sisters Laura White and Mae Plummer, both from East Kilbride, enjoyed an omelette and some sausages and were not surprised by the quality of the inpatient meals.

Laura said; “My husband John was treated here for a heart attack just recently. He was in for eight days and said the food on the ward was marvellous and he enjoyed every meal he had.”

Mae added: “And he’s a fussy eater!”

Graeme Sheed, from East Kilbride, was visiting as an outpatient when he was drawn by the tempting aroma wafting through the main atrium.

He said: “The food looks really nice and the pasta I tried was excellent. I would eat that at home – it’s just as good as the pasta you’d get in one of the Italian restaurants in the town centre.”

Friends Vivian Bryson and Peggy Shaw, both from Hamilton, praised the freshness of the salad. Vivian enjoyed a pasta dish while Peggy gave the thumbs up to the ravioli.

Vivian added: “We also had the apple pie and custard. It was delicious – just like home-made.”

Susan Friel, chief of nursing services and nutrition lead for Hairmyres Hospital, said: “It is very encouraging to hear so much positive feedback from the visitors who tried our inpatient menu.

“We’re extremely proud of the food we provide for our patients and continually work with our service providers, dietitians and patient representatives to monitor nutritional standards, quality and patient satisfaction.”