The Nutrition Department is committed to provide excellent service. Clinical Center patients are offered meals and nourishments to meet specific nutritional needs. Service includes meals to inpatient units, day hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Through the use of computer technology, a Room Service Program is permissible for over 150 therapeutic and research diets and is utilized by most patients. The Room Service Program allows patients to call for food selections at their convenience between 6:30am-6:30pm and receive a meal tray within 45 minutes after placing the order. Deli, salad and snack food options are available between 6:30 pm and 7 pm. Trained health technicians ensure food choices are compliant with diet orders as each phone order is received. The menu is designed to meet the nutritional needs of our diverse inpatient population. In addition, all menu items are available during regular room service hours.
To order meals, the room service line is 301-451-FOOD (3663). The Patient Room Service Menu* provides a wide variety of choices, and the service is available on most of the inpatient units.
For patients not receiving room service, a variety of alternative services are provided to allow for individual meal selection. While every effort is made to provide a wide variety of food options, other items may also be available.
Each patient care unit also has a nourishment area where snacks and beverages are stored and available for patient consumption only. The items may not all be appropriate depending on the patient's diet. Please check with your nurse for more information on the location and availability of snacks.
Due to the number of specialized diets and for food safety reasons, food brought in from outside is not recommended. When food is brought in from the outside, it must be stored in the appropriate refrigerator with an appropriate label provided on the nursing unit specifically for this purpose.
Nutrition Department meals and nourishments are intended solely for Clinical Center patients. Cafeterias and coffee shops are available for visitors. Vending machines are also available 24 hours a day. Food in these locations is provided by a food service contractor and distinct from Nutrition Department services.
We value your comments and sincerely want to know how we can continue to improve our service. Please contact us with any questions, suggestions or concerns. Please contact our Quality Assurance Specialist at 301-451-7188 or 301-496-4981.
*If you experience any accessibility problems with the menu, please contact the Nutrition Department call center at 301-451-3663.