Friends of RCH and RCHT Charity fund new catering trolleys for our hospitals

There’s a fresh look to mealtimes across the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, with stylish new tea and catering trolleys now in use. This has been made possible by the wonderful support of the Friends of the Royal Cornwall Hospital and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity.

In total, 35 brand-new trolleys have been introduced across our hospitals — with 29 supplied to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, funded by the Friends of RCH, and three each for West Cornwall Hospital and St Michael’s Hospital, funded by RCHT Charity, who also kindly covered the VAT costs for all.

The new trolleys feature a sturdy stainless-steel frame while remaining surprisingly lightweight, making them easy to manoeuvre across wards. Their modular design includes drawers and compartments used for storing snacks, drinks, and condiments.

Each compartment and tray are individually replaceable, allowing used components to be removed, and clean ones inserted without taking the trolley out of service. This ensures continuous availability during mealtimes and refreshment breaks, supporting smooth and hygienic service delivery.

Beatrice Dyer, Chairman for Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital, said:

“We have been really delighted to be able to give a trolley for every ward on the RCH site. We have been celebrating 80 years of supporting the RCH this year with equipment grants as well as volunteering our time. The trolleys being in every area of the hospital, serving drinks seven times a day to our patients, is a wonderful way of showing the public that through their generosity we can make a big difference.”

Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, also added:

“Thanks to our supporters, these new catering trolleys are just one example of how RCHT Charity is helping shape a more comfortable, patient-focused environment. This project shows what we can achieve together, working in partnership. Every gift to RCHT Charity helps us fund improvements that make a real difference for patients and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who supports us.”

To celebrate the rollout, the Communications team at RCHT ran a photo competition. The winning image, chosen by the Friends of RCH, is now proudly displayed on the sides of the new trolleys. Each trolley also carries a logo to acknowledge its supporters: the Friends of RCH on those at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, and the RCHT Charity logo on those at West Cornwall and St Michael’s hospitals.

Matthew Stephens, Patient Catering Manager for RCHT, said:

“The new trolleys have been a fantastic addition to our service. We’ve been really impressed with the quality and design. The trolleys are practical, reliable, and a big improvement in appearance too, which staff across all areas have been quick to notice and appreciate.”

The new fleet of trolleys will help catering teams continue to provide a friendly, efficient service to patients across RCHT.