Simon Rimmer with Angie Jones from Wallasey and baby Ben

Simon Rimmer returns to Liverpool women’s hospital for a second helping

15th December 2009, 2:45pm

A menu created by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer for Liverpool Women’s Hospital has proved a huge hit with patients, according to a new survey.

The star of BBC2's Something for the Weekend launched a new range of recipes at the hospital earlier this year.

Now more than three quarters of patients, including new and expectant mums, have branded the food as excellent.

And the menus have proved so popular that almost 1,000 people have viewed a 'cookalong' with Simon on YouTube showing how to make one of his most popular dishes – Scouse.

Simon, from Birkenhead, worked with the hospital team including catering staff and nutritionists to devise the new dishes based around the theme of comfort food.

He has followed progress since the launch and returned to the hospital to gauge patient reaction for himself. He also met with the hospital's team of chefs to check quality control of the dishes.

He said: "The hospital recognised that the overall patient experience when it came to food could be enhanced. That was where I was able to offer my expertise and work with the hospital team to devise the new recipes. The feedback shows that patients are enjoying the food and appreciate the presentation, quality and variety. This is exactly what we all wanted to achieve.

"I will be returning to the hospital regularly to ensure the quality remains at the highest possible standard."

Kathryn Thomson, chief executive at the Trust, said: "Working with Simon was a great success and continues to be as our hospital chefs reproduce his dishes for our 200 patients every day. We have received a positive reaction and are dedicated to ensuring nutritional needs are met while providing an enjoyable menu, cooked on-site and using fresh, wholesome ingredients."

The survey found that 85% rated presentation as excellent or good while 78% rated taste in the same high category.

For quality and variety, 74% of patients reported that this was at an excellent or good standard.

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• 02 Sep 2010 - 200 schools and counting – all set for celebrity School Cooks competition

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