King’s Mill Hospital, part of the Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Medirest, has received official Sophie’s Legacy Approved Hospital Status – for its work creating improvements for children and families staying in the hospital.
The status recognises the commitment to enhancing the patient experience and ensuring that food and nutrition remain an integral part of patient care. The recognition celebrates three commitments across the hospital’s children’s services:
Providing meals for parents who stay overnight with their child.
Offering an up-to-date menu designed specifically for children.
Providing Play Specialist support seven days a week.
A special presentation event was held at the hospital and attended by Charlotte Fairall, founder of Sophie’s Legacy and Sophie’s mum, who presented the accreditation and joined colleagues to mark the achievement. The occasion also included fundraising activities involving a charity football tournament, with more than £2,500 raised.
The Sophie’s Legacy charity was created in memorial of Sophie Fairall and the legacy of change she wanted to create. While being treated for cancer, aged nine, Sophie wanted several things in healthcare changed, including feeding the parents of children in hospitals.
In November 2024, Medirest announced it was the first hospital caterer to offer free meals to the parents and carers of children on extended clinical care plans in its partner hospitals, as part of their commitment to Sophie’s Legacy. This is the first Sophie's Legacy Approved Hospital Status to be awarded to a contract service provider partnership and the fourth hospital in the country to achieve this status overall.
Rosa Losa, Head of Catering, 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.”
To find out more about Sophie’s Legacy visit - Home - Sophie's Legacy
