Ever since becoming an allergy mum, I've had an underlying anxiety about situations when we can't be in control over food – that unexpected stopover on a flight, that school trip, that stay in hospital. I remember when Covid first hit and all those passengers were stuck on cruise ships, travellers forced into isolation in hotels and students stuck in their university accommodation and I really worried about what we would do in that situation – how on earth would we cope if we couldn't control what food we had access to? Maybe that is so why I've focused on making friendly recipes so that we, and other allergy families can have some control over the food that is available, make more foods safe and giving more options to anyone who has to think carefully about what they eat.
Unfortunately my anxiety got tested when little S had to spend some time in hospital. Luckily it wasn't a lengthy stay, and we live close enough to the hospital to make it the best case scenario, but still hospitals are really hard with allergies. When Big S was about 4 she spent a week in hospital and that was really hard despite only being allergic to milk. We had to take all her food in and if I remember correctly she was only provided with one meal of fish and chips during the entire week and that was on the day she was being discharged. I've heard many horror stories over the years of how hospitals are not the best place to be if you have allergies, but I'd hoped things may have improved. I have to say, that while they may have improved a little, it certainly isn't by much!
If you have allergies you really need to be prepared when you go into a hospital, but obviously sometimes it's an unexpected turn of events and you may not have a bag full of suitable food items at the ready. I am aware that some hospitals are much better at providing for allergies, but in our experience it was super tricky. These days any trip to A&E may be extremely lengthy, and whilst we took some snacks (and had eaten a very speedy quick meal before going in) we certainly didn't have enough for the duration. The vending machine was completely empty other than a flapjack (unlikely to be free-from milk and nuts so not worth buying) and some skittles, and I can tell you that a bag of skittles at 2am isn't really what you need! Indeed, even when we checked out the fully stocked vending machines on another occasions there were few safe options, maybe one brand of crisps and some sweets.
The staff were so lovely and offered sandwiches but obviously ready-made sandwiches just don't work if you have multiple allergies, and there was nothing else on offer. Poor Little S was so very hungry I even asked if we could nip home for some food (I'd just made some Chelsea buns and they were sitting at home waiting for our return) but obviously you can't leave an A&E department once you've been admitted. I have heard of some people ordering in take-aways but they're not really an option with allergies either.
an unexpected patient in A&E - is this why there's such a bed shortage!
So my take away tip for any trip to A&E – take plenty of snacks but also (if you get a chance) take is something more like a meal – sandwiches, fruit and veg – proper food that can keep you going through those endless hours waiting to see a Doctor. Also, maybe plan for the worse case of staying in – you face being admitted and then having nothing for breakfast so a bag of cereal or a safe yoghurt or flapjack could go a long way to making that eventuality seem a little better.
Once admitted to a ward it's not much easier. The food ordering system had allergens noted is far better than I remember but the confidence in the reliability of the food seemed very low from the staff. The main comment was 'i wouldn't trust the allergen labelling'!! It was a Sunday when Little S was in and the nurse ordered for her and all she was given was a couple of plain roast potatoes and a small tub of tinned fruit salad. Certainly not a balanced lunch!
Hospital provided allergy-friendly Sunday lunch
As I say, we live fairly close to a hospital so we took in a warm thermos of pasta and some homemade friendly cheesecake which did lift Little S's spirits. That's the thing, it's miserable being in hospital, you probably feel awful and it's super boring, and some nice safe food might just be a little highlight of the day. So again, my top tip for hospital stays is to get visitors to bring in thermoses of nice fresh warm food, healthy snacks and fresh juice and safe things for you (and your visitors) to nibble on or just to replace a meal that may be lacking in excitement, or that you may not be confident in eating.
I know that hospitals do an amazing job in catering for all kinds of needs but it seems to be that allergies come way down the bottom and if you have allergies to deal with definitely make sure you're as prepared as possible (if you get the chance) if you have to go to hospital. If any of you have any hospital tips, or great foods/meals to take in then do let me know 😊
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