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Fun healthy foods for St Augustine's paediatric patients

Fun healthy foods for St Augustine's paediatric patients

Date: 2017-10-06

An innovative paediatric catering programme has been introduced at Netcare St Augustine's Hospital. The 'Rusty the Rhino' programme, developed by the Compass Group and Medirest, Netcare's catering service supplier, is being introduced in all Netcare hospitals with paediatric wards countrywide.

"The programme heralds a new approach to paediatric catering in that the enticing menus not only offer nutritious meals designed to appeal to junior palates while the friendly rhinoceros character is expected to make the hospital experience more pleasant for children," says Heinrich Venter, general manager of Netcare St Augustine's Hospital.

"When children are admitted to hospital they invariably feel anxious about being away from home. At Netcare St Augustine's Hospital we strive to make our paediatric wards a welcoming environment for our young patients. In our experience, children who are unwell and are in the unfamiliar surroundings of a healthcare facility often require a little extra coaxing to encourage them to eat, as maintaining good nutrition is a very important part of their recovery process," explains Venter.

Celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, who is an ambassador for Medirest, was involved in the launch of this exciting new children's programme at Netcare hospitals. "I have always been passionate about good food, as it is such an integral part of our daily lives and can enhance almost any experience. Being a father myself, I know that children are often very particular about which foods they are prepared to try," he notes.

"Rusty the Rhino brings a new element of fun to meal times for children in hospital. Presentation of food is extremely important, and the meals will be served on trays and crockery decorated with Rusty the Rhino's smiling face. The age-specific menus are designed to be healthy yet enticing for children and include 'kiddie favourites' with a wholesome yet tasty twist," Riffel explains.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Rusty the Rhino with his big smile in our hospital. We look forward to seeing the smiles of our young patients as they enjoy the special children's menus and fun activities during their stay at Netcare St Augustine's Hospital," Venter concluded.