Hospital stay - Bad experience....
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 22/3/2010
GF board
…
I had been waiting for nine months to be called into hospital for further tests in an attempt to find out what is causing diarrhoea and pain. The 'attacks' last for up to three hours. Several of the wards have been closed due to the Noro Virus. Last Wednesday lunchtime, the gastro's secretary phoned to say they had a bed for me and could I get to the hospital within the next two hours. (The gastro's secretary tried very hard over a long period to find me a bed, keeping in touch with me on a regular basis by phone). I dropped everything and got there, obviously thankful for the opportunity.
That evening I had no choice from the menu and cod in parsley sauce was put in front of me. Fortunately, I like fish. The following morning the breakfast trolley arrived. There was nothing GF to eat. We were offered Kellog's cereals which I declined as they aren't GF. I was given tinned pears. There were two other Coeliacs in the ward which held six people. There was no GF bread.
At this point, I decided to phone PALS. They were on the case immediately and the Catering Manager arrived on the ward within the hour. We discussed the situation with her and she assured us they could and would cater for us Coeliacs.
From this point on, we had no menu choice list the day before. Fish was often offered, the other Coeliacs didn't like fish and we were also offered jacket potatoes.
Yesterday morning the breakfast trolley arrived. I was asked if I wanted breakfast. I asked for GF toast. They told me the bread had been used up the day before and that they would get some for the next day. The trolley was moved on to the next patient. I wasn't even offered fruit. So, no breakfast. (You wouldn't treat a monkey at the zoo like this).
I felt rather 'low' before going into hospital due to the regular 'attacks' and this food situation really wasn't helping.
I then walked to the hospital restaurant feeling tearful and had some beans and bacon. (This wasn't the first time). Not possible if one is elderly, demented or similar.
Lunchtime I was offered a roast. I asked for GF gravy and was told the kitchen hadn't sent any up. So I asked if it was possible for them to go get it. They said it was too far away. Again, I walked to the restaurant and just had a cuppa. Again, I was feeling tearful. I returned to the ward and was told the hospital now uses a gravy that is suitable for all. I asked them to hold the meal for the evening. The sister said they aren't allowed to do this so I suggested I put it in the microwave! Anyway, evening arrived and they wouldn't let me do this due to insurance purposes.
During my stay I had to provide samples in the paper mache pots. They were testing for several things, one of which was parasites due to the fact that I travel abroad on a regular basis. When I 'performed', I would leave it covered on the floor in the bathroom, as told, and go tell the nurse. On more than one occasion, the samples were left there for almost four hours. It was disgusting, let alone extremely embarrassing for me.
Other unfortunate incidences happened - one of which was witnessing a patient opposite me 'fitting' on three occasions. On these occasions I ran for the nurse. On the last occasion, the nurse whispered to me that the patient pretends to be 'fitting'. Well, thanks nurse for not telling me sooner!
Last night, following the meal fiasco, I had had enough, gathered my belongings and walked out. The nurse tried to get me to stay. She said there is always one choice for a GF meal at night, to which I replied that that in itself is not a "choice".
After arriving home, I received a text from the Coeliac patient that was in the next bed to me, saying the ward had been closed since I left due to the Noro Virus.
I am going to write to PALS. If it helps other future Coeliac patients then that would be something.
My next move is to phone the gastro's secretary today, make a private appointment to see him and hopefully get the results of my tests.
What do you think folks? I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. ....
******************
From Eileen:
One of the Coeliac patients had, I suspect, Annorexia. She had previously been in a coma. She was taken into hospital to be 'fed up'. She wasn't even allowed to walk to the toilet alone. Because there was no breakfast, she tucked into Kellog's cornflakes on a few occasions. The fact that this girl was in to be 'fed up', (she weighed slightly over 4 stone), and there was little GF food for her, is absolutely disgusting and there is no excuse whatsoever on the hospital's part.
*********************
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 23/3/2010
GF board
Following on from my message as posted here yesterday, I sent a link to same to the Nursing, Safety and Patient Care Standards Directorate and received a reply this morning, as follows:-
"Thank you for your email, firstly may I say I am very sorry that you had such a poor experience whilst a patient on Ward 206, clearly this is not acceptable and I will of course ensure that the issues you have raised are investigated.
Once again I am very sorry that you have had this experience, and I thank you for taking the time and trouble of letting us know so that we can learn lessons for our future patients.
It would be very helpful if you could forward details of your address and date of birth, this will enable the Trust to be able to respond to you by letter.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Sue Needs
Deputy Advice and Complaints Team Manager
Nursing, Safety and Patient Care Standards Directorate
North Bristol NHS Trust"
*********************
Re: Hospital action group
Posted by Anon on 25/3/2010, 21:12:55,
in reply to
{Cassie‘s}"Hospital action group" message on GF board
Having worked in the NHS for many years more recently in a fairly senior role, I can assure you that a heavyweight approach is not usually the most effective. Letters to the media, MPs etc are not always as effective as you might think.
I've done some work with a number of catering managers, many who while they didn't understand the importance of a gluten free diet, were very interested and keen to understand once I spoke to them about it. I've seen some very good examples of practice such as this one:
http://www.cuh.org.uk/resources/pdf/pat ... tering.pdf
Its a great idea what you are doing and I fully support it, but you may need to take a more measured approach rather than all guns ablazing if you want success.
Writing to the media - usually ineffective, might be difficult to get them interested and soon forgotten once its been printed.
Writing to MP - In my experience, you write to the MP, he/she writes to the Chief Executive and then it gets processed in exectly the same way as a complaint.
Write to multiple people in the Trust - Will all just get merged together and you'll get one standard response.
Would suggest the following:
Speak to your Local Involvement Network asking them to investegate catering for special needs in hospital. As they are in their infancy many are looking for projects to tackle.
Write to the catering manager. Will usually be very keen to learn especially if you offer to help and advise. You don't know what you don't know, and many of them seriously do not know, and want to learn.
Write to one of the Non Executive Directors and ask them to take the cause up on your behalf.
Write to the equality and diversity manager and say that you feel coeliacs are being discriminated against in your local trust and that you would like action taken.
Would support fully a well constructed complaint letter if you have experienced poor catering, and complaints are treated with seriousness by most NHS organisations, especially if done in a calm and constructive manner. Write directly to the CEO or the complaints manager - doesn't matter as it will get past to the complaints manager to deal with anyway. Use ICAS to support your complaint.
Complaints Departments are now tending to deal with concerns, comments, complaints, compliments now so hence the reason why there is a change in terminology and PALS are starting to disappear. If you don't want to make a complaint, you can just feedback about your concerns in this way.
If your local trust is a foundation trust, become a member, get involved and ask the board of governors to look at this issue. …
***************
Re: Hospital action group
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 24/3/2010, 22:09:22, in reply to "Hospital action group"
Hi Cassie
I really appreciate your post this evening! I am with you all the way.
1. When I was in the hospital last week for five days, others that were on a normal diet were given three choices for lunch and dinner.
2. Coeliacs had no choice. Just one meal was offered. (The quality was awful).
3. I feel this is discriminatory.
4. I suggest we push for a Gluten Free Meal Choice Sheet for lunch and dinner in the hospitals.
5. The Government are constantly trying to encourage us all to eat the "Five a Day". Why does this not happen when in hospital, especially when we need it most, Coeliac or not?!
6. On the second day of my stay in hospital, after I phoned PALS, the dietician visited the ward to see a patient, (I would suspect the patient is Annorexic but she was a Coeliac too). The dietician left three of us Coeliacs with a packet of biscuits and crackers each. Was it too difficult for the dietician to ensure the kitchen could cater for us and at least provide GF toast for breakfast?
7. In my opinion, we need to target the dieticians in the hospitals. They should be kicking butt and looking out for us.
************
Re: Hospital action group
Posted by anne (wales) on 24/3/2010, 20:22:58, in reply to "Hospital action group"
my local hospital provides very good gf food on the wards but nothing in the canteen for anyone who`s there for a appointment
…there was no menu so no choice of gf meal i was lucky i liked what was on offer but again must say it was very good food
******************************
Re: FAO Cassie M.
Posted by Jan (Roth) on 24/3/2010
GF board
I'm with you all the way. I had awful experience of hospital food (or lack of it) when I stayed in for 4 days in August last year. I wrote to complain but never received a response.
****************
Eileen's posts etc on GF board re her hospital stay
Moderator: Moderators
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
Eileen's posts etc on GF board re her hospital stay
by Lyn G » Sat Mar 27, 2010 2:58 pm
- Lyn G
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4764
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:33 pm
- Location: Dorset
GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!
by Lyn G » Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:27 pm
GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 25/3/2010
GF board
….
I have just had a long conversation with the Dietician at the hospital I was in last week. (Bad experience …..).
I told her how I was treated and explained about the lack of GF food.
I told her it is discriminatory that Coeliacs have no daily menu choice and others on a normal diet do. I suggested Coeliacs should have 3 choices daily, including a GF/Vegetarian one.
She has asked me to email her with the detail of what happened to me during my five days in hospital.
So, I would like your ideas on what you would expect to be fed whilst in hospital please. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Once I have your ideas, I can then put them in my email to the Dietician.
************
From David:
Part of a Document from CSoI
Eileen,
You could work part or some of this into your communication.
Extract from PDF:
The same should apply to all nursing programmes.
Here yet again the emphasis should be on the absolute necessity of adhering to a strict diet and the dangers of cross contamination in hospitals.
The need to provide a supportive hospital environment for the coeliac patient whether they are hospitalised for their coeliac condition or for some other condition is of paramount importance.
All catering staff employed in hospitals,
especially those ordering food, need to be made aware of the necessity of patients adhering to the diet and the conditions necessary for this in the preparation and presentation of food. Gluten free foods should be provided and easily available.
Problems in the internal ordering of gluten free diets should be highlighted and appropriate improvements made.
In particular hospital administration should provide the appropriate lists of gluten
free products to the relevant catering/stores/nursing staff etc.
Moreover a mechanism whereby regular consultation occurs between chefs, nursing staff, catering supervisors etc. and dieticians, should be put in place.
Codes of practice
be established for the relevant health care professionals (GPs, hospital doctors, public health nurses, midwifes, dieticians etc) in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of coeliac disease and in patient education.
Social Workers:
It is important that social workers be aware of the condition, the need for strict adherence to the diet and the difficulties surrounding the diet.
This is particularly the case with social workers working with the elderly, the young
and socially disadvantaged.
A fundamental truth is that a Gluten Free Diet is to a Coeliac
what a Medical Drug is to a patient who requires same for a Specific Condition.
http://www.coeliac.ie/coeliac.pdf
**********************
From Fiona
When I've been in hospital Mum has bought my gluten free stuff in so I don't starve, although to be honest one doesn't feel like eating when one is ill.
I do remember her bringing individual pots of jelly, custard and rice puddings in which went down the hatch quite easily!!….
But you are right, the tea trolly comes around in the afternoon with a fairy cake for every one else and in the evening with biscuits for everyone else, nothing for the coeliac on the ward!
***********************
Posted by Linda (Fife) on 25/3/2010
GF board
In addition to purely the availability of menu choices I would outline the issues surrounding the storage & handling of GF foods at ward level ie bread, biscuits. I work for the NHS & the ward that most routinely admits Coeliacs where I work had ordinary bread & GF bread in the same bread bin & no separate knives or boards. Ideally there should be a policy document drawn up that covers all aspects of provision in relation to the GF patient & it should be accessible to all staff that are expected to manage a GF diet.
**************
From David:
…
I've already seen GF biscuits in individual serving packs (2 biscuits) Same manufactures should be approaching the NHS as an appropriate Biscuit option that avoids the possibility of cross-contamination.
As regards the bread this is an excellent opportunity for GF Bread manafacturers to look at
a 2 slice packs for the Hospital and Hospitality markets.
Long life or even Fresh Bread could be frozen till required.
(a possible business opportunity for the Bread makers on GF Suppliers board)
Come to think of it Re: above, generally people only have 2 slices at a meal, or to make a sandwich, what would be the extra cost in packaging terms?
It can be done, with a bit of fore thought and planning
….
****************************
From Linda (Fife) on 25/3/2010
As regards breakfast cereals ( & also I would presume prepared meals) - each trust should be able to provide info re who their suppliers are & if products are GF - the local schools up here can tell me exactly what is suitable on the menu because they have a database with all the relevant info gathered about & from their suppliers.
**********************
From David:
Most hospital catering is now from an outside source (for cost effectiveness) so it's the Catering Company you need to educate not wage war on the NHS.
*************
From Cassie:
The NHS employs them so it would be an idea to educate BOTH.
a) ON THE AMOUNT OF UNDIAGNOSED COELIACS THERE ARE AND HOW THAT IS A GROWING MARKET
b) the social, mental and physical impact of not having a choice when you're ill in a hospital needing a MEDICAL diet.
*****************
From Apricot (Well foods):
Barnsley hospital was a total no no...(its 5 years ago now..so it may be better). So Apricot gets on the phone to work..and tray of goodies (non g/f) arrives, and g/f loaves. Given work does supply hospital...they hadnt any excuse.
Barnsley did produce the vast majority of food in-house. The Catering manager took notice...and I was well catered for...but wouldnt have happened if I hadnt protested about the lack of food.
Hallamshire in Sheffield (just before Christmas), was very well catered for...and yes Wellfoods bread...without prompting.Had gone prepared anyway.
Yes we do produce loaves, sliced, in freezer packs...but whether the hopsitals order is another matter…..
****************************
From PCC:
When I was in a private hospital they gave me lots of choice.
I had melon and berries for brek followed by GF bread and jam/honey.
I only had one meal as I was too poorly to eat (I presume those drip bags are GF lol lol). They basically asked what I would like so I picked a very nice ham salad with a baked potato. Nice mix of salad/leaves/veg. Then fruit after.
I know it was a private hospital but a half decent salad is not difficult to make or costly!
PCC x
ps. Like the idea of providing biccies.
pps. When I was in a NHS hospital I did not want to eat. I was kept in overnight so did not 'order' GF/DF. Not that they had anything worth eating. I did ask for an apple or a bit of fruit but they don't provide it!!!!!!!!!! They offered me a sarnie (NOT GF!!!) and a bag of crisps. So much for nutrition!!!
…Just to add...I was not expecting to be kept in over night, hence not ordering.
*************
From David:
GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!
Posted by David (Dublin Ireland) on 25/3/2010, 11:44:55, in reply to "GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!"
79.97.4.X
All Coeliacs or those on restrictive diets should be able to order meals in advance from a menu card, ie. you select tomorrows meals today.
Suggestions Breakfast:
Fruit Juice
GF cereal (covered in Cling Film with GF Cereal on a sticker)
Boiled eggs (scrambled can be 'dodgy' with pancake flour added or reconstituted from powder mix ???)
Grilled rashers (kitchen need to be taught these are grilled seperately on clean tin foil)
Fruit Yogurt (no Meusli varieties)
Lunch:
Soup and GF Roll (making soup GF isn't too difficult)
Meat (no gravy unless GF)
Fish (steamed or poached no sauce unless GF)
Potatoes
Veg
Dessert
Fruit
Rice pudding (GF of course)
a GF cake slice (God knowns there's enough GF suppliers out there)
Jelly & ice Cream
Tea
Boiled eggs
Ham or Cheese Sandwich (On GF Bread)
Salad
GF Biscuits (in individual portions. 2 biscuits) and a cuppa.
Late night after visirors are gone they usually serve a cuupa, GF Biscuits in individual portions (pack of 2). …
…Sorry all you 'Veggies' for not including an option.
Lunch:
GF Vegetable Curry
Omelette type Frittata inc. veg and potato.
GF Macaroni and Cheese
***************
From Eileen:
…..
They did serve GF ham sandwiches but the bread was rock-hard - it needed refreshing but, of course, the ham, etc was already inside! …..poor show.
*********************
From Sandra:
I think it is the case that breakfast is not on the menu and we have to take from the breakfast trolley. The people who come round with the said trolley do not know what is GF and what isn't i.e a large polybag of cornflakes with no idea of the maker is the norm in my hospital. So maybe breakfasts should be looked at as this is suppose to be the most important meal of the day.
If the dietetic department cannot understand what is required for meals for a Coeliac then god help us.
***************
From Daphne on 25/3/2010
GF board
From listening to a lot of reports on hospital menus, if you don't get GF toast for breakfast, then you are generally stuffed as I for one can't eat eggs or yoghurt. So, to me breakfasts would be a real issue. And again, most 'puddings' would be fruit. Also if you didn't get much of an evening meal the night before, you'll just be hungry all of the time.
…Carina ...on 25/3/2010
I had this issue when I went for my colonoscapy at Surrey Hospital. I had sedation so they wanted me to eat before I went home but could only give me a ham sandwhich, on GF bread though so I was quite impressed with that side of it. We compromised with me eating a banana but goodness knows what would have happened if I had had to stay in for any time. Probabley my poor husband bringing in meals for me!
…
******************
From yet another carole on 26/3/2010
I had this when I had my gall bladder out last year at Bradford Royal Infirmary. They came round with sandwiches and wanted us to eat before we left. Even though it was on my notes there was nothing I could eat. Good job I had brought a banana with me!
************************
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 25/3/2010
GF board
….
I have just had a long conversation with the Dietician at the hospital I was in last week. (Bad experience …..).
I told her how I was treated and explained about the lack of GF food.
I told her it is discriminatory that Coeliacs have no daily menu choice and others on a normal diet do. I suggested Coeliacs should have 3 choices daily, including a GF/Vegetarian one.
She has asked me to email her with the detail of what happened to me during my five days in hospital.
So, I would like your ideas on what you would expect to be fed whilst in hospital please. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Once I have your ideas, I can then put them in my email to the Dietician.
************
From David:
Part of a Document from CSoI
Eileen,
You could work part or some of this into your communication.
Extract from PDF:
The same should apply to all nursing programmes.
Here yet again the emphasis should be on the absolute necessity of adhering to a strict diet and the dangers of cross contamination in hospitals.
The need to provide a supportive hospital environment for the coeliac patient whether they are hospitalised for their coeliac condition or for some other condition is of paramount importance.
All catering staff employed in hospitals,
especially those ordering food, need to be made aware of the necessity of patients adhering to the diet and the conditions necessary for this in the preparation and presentation of food. Gluten free foods should be provided and easily available.
Problems in the internal ordering of gluten free diets should be highlighted and appropriate improvements made.
In particular hospital administration should provide the appropriate lists of gluten
free products to the relevant catering/stores/nursing staff etc.
Moreover a mechanism whereby regular consultation occurs between chefs, nursing staff, catering supervisors etc. and dieticians, should be put in place.
Codes of practice
be established for the relevant health care professionals (GPs, hospital doctors, public health nurses, midwifes, dieticians etc) in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of coeliac disease and in patient education.
Social Workers:
It is important that social workers be aware of the condition, the need for strict adherence to the diet and the difficulties surrounding the diet.
This is particularly the case with social workers working with the elderly, the young
and socially disadvantaged.
A fundamental truth is that a Gluten Free Diet is to a Coeliac
what a Medical Drug is to a patient who requires same for a Specific Condition.
http://www.coeliac.ie/coeliac.pdf
**********************
From Fiona
When I've been in hospital Mum has bought my gluten free stuff in so I don't starve, although to be honest one doesn't feel like eating when one is ill.
I do remember her bringing individual pots of jelly, custard and rice puddings in which went down the hatch quite easily!!….
But you are right, the tea trolly comes around in the afternoon with a fairy cake for every one else and in the evening with biscuits for everyone else, nothing for the coeliac on the ward!
***********************
Posted by Linda (Fife) on 25/3/2010
GF board
In addition to purely the availability of menu choices I would outline the issues surrounding the storage & handling of GF foods at ward level ie bread, biscuits. I work for the NHS & the ward that most routinely admits Coeliacs where I work had ordinary bread & GF bread in the same bread bin & no separate knives or boards. Ideally there should be a policy document drawn up that covers all aspects of provision in relation to the GF patient & it should be accessible to all staff that are expected to manage a GF diet.
**************
From David:
…
I've already seen GF biscuits in individual serving packs (2 biscuits) Same manufactures should be approaching the NHS as an appropriate Biscuit option that avoids the possibility of cross-contamination.
As regards the bread this is an excellent opportunity for GF Bread manafacturers to look at
a 2 slice packs for the Hospital and Hospitality markets.
Long life or even Fresh Bread could be frozen till required.
(a possible business opportunity for the Bread makers on GF Suppliers board)
Come to think of it Re: above, generally people only have 2 slices at a meal, or to make a sandwich, what would be the extra cost in packaging terms?
It can be done, with a bit of fore thought and planning
….
****************************
From Linda (Fife) on 25/3/2010
As regards breakfast cereals ( & also I would presume prepared meals) - each trust should be able to provide info re who their suppliers are & if products are GF - the local schools up here can tell me exactly what is suitable on the menu because they have a database with all the relevant info gathered about & from their suppliers.
**********************
From David:
Most hospital catering is now from an outside source (for cost effectiveness) so it's the Catering Company you need to educate not wage war on the NHS.
*************
From Cassie:
The NHS employs them so it would be an idea to educate BOTH.
a) ON THE AMOUNT OF UNDIAGNOSED COELIACS THERE ARE AND HOW THAT IS A GROWING MARKET
b) the social, mental and physical impact of not having a choice when you're ill in a hospital needing a MEDICAL diet.
*****************
From Apricot (Well foods):
Barnsley hospital was a total no no...(its 5 years ago now..so it may be better). So Apricot gets on the phone to work..and tray of goodies (non g/f) arrives, and g/f loaves. Given work does supply hospital...they hadnt any excuse.
Barnsley did produce the vast majority of food in-house. The Catering manager took notice...and I was well catered for...but wouldnt have happened if I hadnt protested about the lack of food.
Hallamshire in Sheffield (just before Christmas), was very well catered for...and yes Wellfoods bread...without prompting.Had gone prepared anyway.
Yes we do produce loaves, sliced, in freezer packs...but whether the hopsitals order is another matter…..
****************************
From PCC:
When I was in a private hospital they gave me lots of choice.
I had melon and berries for brek followed by GF bread and jam/honey.
I only had one meal as I was too poorly to eat (I presume those drip bags are GF lol lol). They basically asked what I would like so I picked a very nice ham salad with a baked potato. Nice mix of salad/leaves/veg. Then fruit after.
I know it was a private hospital but a half decent salad is not difficult to make or costly!
PCC x
ps. Like the idea of providing biccies.
pps. When I was in a NHS hospital I did not want to eat. I was kept in overnight so did not 'order' GF/DF. Not that they had anything worth eating. I did ask for an apple or a bit of fruit but they don't provide it!!!!!!!!!! They offered me a sarnie (NOT GF!!!) and a bag of crisps. So much for nutrition!!!
…Just to add...I was not expecting to be kept in over night, hence not ordering.
*************
From David:
GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!
Posted by David (Dublin Ireland) on 25/3/2010, 11:44:55, in reply to "GF Food in Hospital - Ideas please!"
79.97.4.X
All Coeliacs or those on restrictive diets should be able to order meals in advance from a menu card, ie. you select tomorrows meals today.
Suggestions Breakfast:
Fruit Juice
GF cereal (covered in Cling Film with GF Cereal on a sticker)
Boiled eggs (scrambled can be 'dodgy' with pancake flour added or reconstituted from powder mix ???)
Grilled rashers (kitchen need to be taught these are grilled seperately on clean tin foil)
Fruit Yogurt (no Meusli varieties)
Lunch:
Soup and GF Roll (making soup GF isn't too difficult)
Meat (no gravy unless GF)
Fish (steamed or poached no sauce unless GF)
Potatoes
Veg
Dessert
Fruit
Rice pudding (GF of course)
a GF cake slice (God knowns there's enough GF suppliers out there)
Jelly & ice Cream
Tea
Boiled eggs
Ham or Cheese Sandwich (On GF Bread)
Salad
GF Biscuits (in individual portions. 2 biscuits) and a cuppa.
Late night after visirors are gone they usually serve a cuupa, GF Biscuits in individual portions (pack of 2). …
…Sorry all you 'Veggies' for not including an option.
Lunch:
GF Vegetable Curry
Omelette type Frittata inc. veg and potato.
GF Macaroni and Cheese
***************
From Eileen:
…..
They did serve GF ham sandwiches but the bread was rock-hard - it needed refreshing but, of course, the ham, etc was already inside! …..poor show.
*********************
From Sandra:
I think it is the case that breakfast is not on the menu and we have to take from the breakfast trolley. The people who come round with the said trolley do not know what is GF and what isn't i.e a large polybag of cornflakes with no idea of the maker is the norm in my hospital. So maybe breakfasts should be looked at as this is suppose to be the most important meal of the day.
If the dietetic department cannot understand what is required for meals for a Coeliac then god help us.
***************
From Daphne on 25/3/2010
GF board
From listening to a lot of reports on hospital menus, if you don't get GF toast for breakfast, then you are generally stuffed as I for one can't eat eggs or yoghurt. So, to me breakfasts would be a real issue. And again, most 'puddings' would be fruit. Also if you didn't get much of an evening meal the night before, you'll just be hungry all of the time.
…Carina ...on 25/3/2010
I had this issue when I went for my colonoscapy at Surrey Hospital. I had sedation so they wanted me to eat before I went home but could only give me a ham sandwhich, on GF bread though so I was quite impressed with that side of it. We compromised with me eating a banana but goodness knows what would have happened if I had had to stay in for any time. Probabley my poor husband bringing in meals for me!
…
******************
From yet another carole on 26/3/2010
I had this when I had my gall bladder out last year at Bradford Royal Infirmary. They came round with sandwiches and wanted us to eat before we left. Even though it was on my notes there was nothing I could eat. Good job I had brought a banana with me!
************************
- Lyn G
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4764
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:33 pm
- Location: Dorset
Nursing, Safety & Patient Care Standards Directorate Advice
by Lyn G » Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:36 pm
Reply from Nursing, Safety & Patient Care Standards Directorate Advice Team...
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 25/3/2010
Gf board
Apparently PALS is no longer; it has changed its name to Advice and Complaints Team (ACT).
I received a reply in the post this morning, as follows, (they didn't enclose the leaflet explaining the NHS CXomplaints Procedure as stated):-
Dear Mrs B
Thank you for your email dated 22 March 2010. We are sorry that you have had cause to complain. We have asked Cathy Meredith, General Manager for the Medical Directorate and Simon Wood, Director of Facilities to investigate the points raised.
You will receive a full response letter from Ruth Brunt, Chief Executive, which we anticipate will be available by 29 April 2010. If there is any change to this timescale you will of course be informed.
The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) is available to help and advise you if you require assistance. They can be contacted on 0845 1203782.
A leaflet is enclosed explaining the NHS Complaints Procedure, which you may find useful.
Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.
Yours sincerely
Advice & Complaints Team
***********************
Campaigning for awareness
Posted by Adi on 25/3/2010
GF board
It's interesting reading about how others approach a hot potato topic like GF catering in hospitals. It does seem outrageous that in 2010 hospital staff are so unaware of GF issues especially when it comes to eating in hospital. This should really be a no brainer. However, I think that running to the media or using angry and inflamatory language is counterproductive. Someone else on this board has warned of the dangers of being too hot headed. I would agree that a calm, rational approach is far more effective. The key is getting to someone in authority who can listen and champion the cause at a higher level. Although I completely understand the frustration, I would say use some of the energy to find the person or persons who can help impelement these changes. Also, be clear about what you are asking for. Perhaps initially having a choice of menu (which would seem reasonable to us)is too much to ask for. What is important is to make sure that a gluten free hot and nutritious meal is available to all who request it. That in itself is a mammoth task for the NHS. Also if you do find someone in the media who is interested in the issue, make sure you can present your case in a rational, coherent way. Journalists can be very unpredicatble, and what you feel may be a good story may be very different from what they think would be a great story. They could choose to focus on something that is not in Coeliac's best interest, for example.....and this is just an example....the amount of money spent by the NHS on prescription food for Coeliacs. As far as CUK is concerned, they do not yield any legal powers to make companies make changes. They act as spokespeople for the whole of the Coeliac community and they are a relatively small organisation with an enormous job to do. It really is up to everyone of us to do our bit, in a small but sustained way, to educate and build awareness. So yes to group action and yes to campaigning for better awareness. But be strategic in how you go about doing this and be realistic in what you can achieve.
************
From Daphne:
Why not get in touch with Dr Chris Steele? This morning could run with it.
From Cassie:
Trouble is we need someone willing to tell their story on air. WHO IS WILLING?
If we don't have the victim in the studio there's no impact for the media to sell
…Bloomin' good idea though!!
**********************
From Msg: (re CUK)
…..
You can see what they are actually planning to do here: http://www.coeliac.org.uk/sites/coeliac ... 2011_0.pdf. It does not include hospital catering. The only reference to hospitals involves the production of a "New hospital leaflet". The total to be spent on "New support materials" including this is £54000.
From Cassie:
Hospital catering should really become a priority issue. It makes good sense, it increases awareness in the hospitals of our numbers and symptosm and may cause others to be diagnosed too.
Leaflets are well and good but we need back up and them ringing the hospital nonstop if we call for help when admitted.
we also seriously need someone to sue. This is the quickest and most effective way for us to get some kind of legislation where the whole scenario Eileen and others have experienced does not keep happening over and over.
If there is anyone out there with a recent experience of this kind of discrimination who would be willing to go to court i'd love them to come forward.
**************
Compare & Contrast (Veg Soc and CUK)
Posted by Lyn G Dorset on 26/3/2010
GF board
Compare & Contrast- the approach to hospital food improvement for their members by The Vegetarian Society and CUK.
A £7,800 grant was awarded to Veg Soc by NHS for their excellent idea to improve hospital food for vegetarians.
CUK paid -out of their own (ie members') funds -for a leaflet to go into hospitals.
*********************
Food for All – The Vegetarian Society’s Hospital Caterers training course
Submitted by fcounts on Sat, 2010/03/13 - 23:15
Amount: £7,800
About the idea: The Vegetarian Society wants to improve vegetarian catering in hospitals across the UK, as research shows that many vegetarians from all walks of life do not receive suitable or satisfactory food in hospital.
To do this, we want to run a course to train hospital caterers, and the idea is to trial the course among a proportion of hospital caterers within the northwest before rolling the course out to the rest of the UK.
This project aims to enhance understanding of the impact of food on wider patient well-being, by developing the understanding of and respect for people’s food choices....
http://big.dh.gov.uk/top
**************************
From Msg:
(re CUK)
…The only reference to hospitals involves the production of a "New hospital leaflet". The total to be spent on "New support materials" including this is £54000.
….
http://www.coeliac.org.uk/sites/coeliac ... 2011_0.pdf.
….
**********************
Now, what do you think would be more effective,
….a course to train hospital caterers, and ... to trial the course among a proportion of hospital caterers within the northwest before rolling the course out to the rest of the UK. ….
Or
"New hospital leaflet" ?
*************
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 25/3/2010
Gf board
Apparently PALS is no longer; it has changed its name to Advice and Complaints Team (ACT).
I received a reply in the post this morning, as follows, (they didn't enclose the leaflet explaining the NHS CXomplaints Procedure as stated):-
Dear Mrs B
Thank you for your email dated 22 March 2010. We are sorry that you have had cause to complain. We have asked Cathy Meredith, General Manager for the Medical Directorate and Simon Wood, Director of Facilities to investigate the points raised.
You will receive a full response letter from Ruth Brunt, Chief Executive, which we anticipate will be available by 29 April 2010. If there is any change to this timescale you will of course be informed.
The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) is available to help and advise you if you require assistance. They can be contacted on 0845 1203782.
A leaflet is enclosed explaining the NHS Complaints Procedure, which you may find useful.
Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.
Yours sincerely
Advice & Complaints Team
***********************
Campaigning for awareness
Posted by Adi on 25/3/2010
GF board
It's interesting reading about how others approach a hot potato topic like GF catering in hospitals. It does seem outrageous that in 2010 hospital staff are so unaware of GF issues especially when it comes to eating in hospital. This should really be a no brainer. However, I think that running to the media or using angry and inflamatory language is counterproductive. Someone else on this board has warned of the dangers of being too hot headed. I would agree that a calm, rational approach is far more effective. The key is getting to someone in authority who can listen and champion the cause at a higher level. Although I completely understand the frustration, I would say use some of the energy to find the person or persons who can help impelement these changes. Also, be clear about what you are asking for. Perhaps initially having a choice of menu (which would seem reasonable to us)is too much to ask for. What is important is to make sure that a gluten free hot and nutritious meal is available to all who request it. That in itself is a mammoth task for the NHS. Also if you do find someone in the media who is interested in the issue, make sure you can present your case in a rational, coherent way. Journalists can be very unpredicatble, and what you feel may be a good story may be very different from what they think would be a great story. They could choose to focus on something that is not in Coeliac's best interest, for example.....and this is just an example....the amount of money spent by the NHS on prescription food for Coeliacs. As far as CUK is concerned, they do not yield any legal powers to make companies make changes. They act as spokespeople for the whole of the Coeliac community and they are a relatively small organisation with an enormous job to do. It really is up to everyone of us to do our bit, in a small but sustained way, to educate and build awareness. So yes to group action and yes to campaigning for better awareness. But be strategic in how you go about doing this and be realistic in what you can achieve.
************
From Daphne:
Why not get in touch with Dr Chris Steele? This morning could run with it.
From Cassie:
Trouble is we need someone willing to tell their story on air. WHO IS WILLING?
If we don't have the victim in the studio there's no impact for the media to sell
…Bloomin' good idea though!!
**********************
From Msg: (re CUK)
…..
You can see what they are actually planning to do here: http://www.coeliac.org.uk/sites/coeliac ... 2011_0.pdf. It does not include hospital catering. The only reference to hospitals involves the production of a "New hospital leaflet". The total to be spent on "New support materials" including this is £54000.
From Cassie:
Hospital catering should really become a priority issue. It makes good sense, it increases awareness in the hospitals of our numbers and symptosm and may cause others to be diagnosed too.
Leaflets are well and good but we need back up and them ringing the hospital nonstop if we call for help when admitted.
we also seriously need someone to sue. This is the quickest and most effective way for us to get some kind of legislation where the whole scenario Eileen and others have experienced does not keep happening over and over.
If there is anyone out there with a recent experience of this kind of discrimination who would be willing to go to court i'd love them to come forward.
**************
Compare & Contrast (Veg Soc and CUK)
Posted by Lyn G Dorset on 26/3/2010
GF board
Compare & Contrast- the approach to hospital food improvement for their members by The Vegetarian Society and CUK.
A £7,800 grant was awarded to Veg Soc by NHS for their excellent idea to improve hospital food for vegetarians.
CUK paid -out of their own (ie members') funds -for a leaflet to go into hospitals.
*********************
Food for All – The Vegetarian Society’s Hospital Caterers training course
Submitted by fcounts on Sat, 2010/03/13 - 23:15
Amount: £7,800
About the idea: The Vegetarian Society wants to improve vegetarian catering in hospitals across the UK, as research shows that many vegetarians from all walks of life do not receive suitable or satisfactory food in hospital.
To do this, we want to run a course to train hospital caterers, and the idea is to trial the course among a proportion of hospital caterers within the northwest before rolling the course out to the rest of the UK.
This project aims to enhance understanding of the impact of food on wider patient well-being, by developing the understanding of and respect for people’s food choices....
http://big.dh.gov.uk/top
**************************
From Msg:
(re CUK)
…The only reference to hospitals involves the production of a "New hospital leaflet". The total to be spent on "New support materials" including this is £54000.
….
http://www.coeliac.org.uk/sites/coeliac ... 2011_0.pdf.
….
**********************
Now, what do you think would be more effective,
….a course to train hospital caterers, and ... to trial the course among a proportion of hospital caterers within the northwest before rolling the course out to the rest of the UK. ….
Or
"New hospital leaflet" ?
*************
- Lyn G
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4764
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:33 pm
- Location: Dorset
Reply from the Dietician at the hospital...
by Lyn G » Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:40 pm
Reply from the Dietician at the hospital....
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 26/3/2010
GF board
I received the following reply this morning:-
"Dear Mrs B
Thank you for voicing concerns about the provision of gluten-free foods during your recent stay. I am sorry to hear of your negative experience. I agree that there are improvements to be made and I have copied in Tracey Lucas, Ward Manager and Gary Wilkins, Food Provision Manager into this email so they can also be alerted of the problems that have arisen.
Particular areas we need to address include:
1. Availability of gluten-free bread
2. Choosing an alternative brand of cornflakes that does not contain barley malt extract
3. Ensuring a choice of gluten-free meals and that staff know how to order the gluten-free meal the patient requests
4. Ward staff education or an information pack on the gluten-free diet.
I will discuss these issues with Tracey and Gary to see what steps can be taken to improve the availability of gluten-free food. I will also let you know our progress so that you can be reassured other patients will not share your experience and that improvements have been made.
Please contact me again if you have any queries regarding this.
Kind Regards,
Ali Singer
Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian
Tel: 0117 340 3836"
**************
From Linda (Fife) on 26/3/2010
Looks promising - just had a thought - on any paperwork you completed pre admission was there any mention of dietary requirements?. If not - it may be worthwhile asking them to include this - fore-warned is fore-armed - they could organise GF provision with the dietician before you even hit the ward (obviously an emergency admission would negate this)
***********
From Trevor on 26/3/2010,
I was asked this very question on my pre admission form only about 3 weeks ago, it asked if diabetic or vegetarian or Coeliac, I ticked Coeliac and still told there was nothing for me. Just as well I knew that would be the case and took my own. It was only for a day case to have a colonoscopy, but why ask on the form.
*************
Linda (Fife) on 27/3/2010
I would urge anyone who has a similar experience to ask for a complaints form or the name of who to direct a complaint to within the Trust before you leave the ward
*************
From Lyn G :
…. 'Gluten free' ( or 'NO GLUTEN') mini stickers given by hospital to coeliac patients(to be stuck on menu choices)?
*********************
Posted by Eileen (Bristol) on 26/3/2010
GF board
I received the following reply this morning:-
"Dear Mrs B
Thank you for voicing concerns about the provision of gluten-free foods during your recent stay. I am sorry to hear of your negative experience. I agree that there are improvements to be made and I have copied in Tracey Lucas, Ward Manager and Gary Wilkins, Food Provision Manager into this email so they can also be alerted of the problems that have arisen.
Particular areas we need to address include:
1. Availability of gluten-free bread
2. Choosing an alternative brand of cornflakes that does not contain barley malt extract
3. Ensuring a choice of gluten-free meals and that staff know how to order the gluten-free meal the patient requests
4. Ward staff education or an information pack on the gluten-free diet.
I will discuss these issues with Tracey and Gary to see what steps can be taken to improve the availability of gluten-free food. I will also let you know our progress so that you can be reassured other patients will not share your experience and that improvements have been made.
Please contact me again if you have any queries regarding this.
Kind Regards,
Ali Singer
Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian
Tel: 0117 340 3836"
**************
From Linda (Fife) on 26/3/2010
Looks promising - just had a thought - on any paperwork you completed pre admission was there any mention of dietary requirements?. If not - it may be worthwhile asking them to include this - fore-warned is fore-armed - they could organise GF provision with the dietician before you even hit the ward (obviously an emergency admission would negate this)
***********
From Trevor on 26/3/2010,
I was asked this very question on my pre admission form only about 3 weeks ago, it asked if diabetic or vegetarian or Coeliac, I ticked Coeliac and still told there was nothing for me. Just as well I knew that would be the case and took my own. It was only for a day case to have a colonoscopy, but why ask on the form.
*************
Linda (Fife) on 27/3/2010
I would urge anyone who has a similar experience to ask for a complaints form or the name of who to direct a complaint to within the Trust before you leave the ward
*************
From Lyn G :
…. 'Gluten free' ( or 'NO GLUTEN') mini stickers given by hospital to coeliac patients(to be stuck on menu choices)?
*********************
- Lyn G
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4764
- Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 5:33 pm
- Location: Dorset
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