As a result of a limited access, 52% have had to buy food and drinks from vending machines, the survey revealed.
Matt Graywood, chief operating officer of Preoday, said: "The survey results show that we need better food options for hospital visitors. With cafes and restaurants closing around 5pm, but visiting hours continuing until 8pm, there’s little opportunity to obtain a good evening meal.
“If outlets must close before the end of visiting hours, hospitals should take the opportunity to provide a convenient pre-ordering food service for collection, or even delivery, outside of hours. It’s a solution that would allow visitors to plan ahead and feel relaxed about finding a decent meal.”
Preoday offers a service to hospitality businesses to offer branded online and pre-ordering facilities to customers purchasing food, drink, merchandise and making bookings.