COPING WITH SPECIAL DIETS IN HOSPITAL
People who need to follow a
special diet often ask me how
they will cope with their diet during a
period of admission to a hospital.
Individuals are often admitted
to various NHS hospitals and this short piece aims
to provide information and reassurance to them.
Special diets are more correctly referred to as “Therapeutic
diets” as they are advised by doctors and dietitians and other health
professionals to assist in the management of a medical condition such as diabetes,
raised cholesterol levels or a food intolerance such as to gluten which occurs
with coeliac disease or other disorders.
Nutrition and hydration are regarded as imperative to the care and recovery of
patients.
We must also not forget that
hardworking hospital staff need good food to sustain them.
Hospital Caterers and dietitians and staff strive to ensure patients
have suitable food.
NHS hospitals have
certain standards on this which can be found by anyone “National Standards
for healthcare food and Drink From NHS
England” contains full information on food for patients, staff, and
visitors plus standards on food waste and recording. It includes information on
meal ordering. It can give reassurance
to patients and their relatives.
Additionally, there is comprehensive information on special
diets in the “Nutrition and Hydration Nutrition digest which has all the
standards on hospital food including special diets. It is helpful for those
needing a special diet. Hospital menus usually have coding to indicate which
foods and dishes are suitable for which diets.
This document is well-established and known by hospital caterers and dietitians
I assisted with a chapter in this on sustainability. which I feel passionate about. This was presented
at the launch of the updated Digest in London on June 15th, 2023. The Digest can easily be
found and provides information and reassurance.
PLEASE NOTE For specific advice on diet please consult
your dietitian, doctor, or health professional
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