Care Opinion

Lack of gluten free options

Posted By justme01

"Lack of gluten free options"

About: University Hospital Monklands University Hospital Wishaw

(as a service user),

There is a general lack of meal options for those with dietary requirements in the 'Choices' Restaurant in Monklands (and Wishaw General) Hospital. I have tried on numerous occasions to access hot gluten free food and have been told that it would only be a baked potato each day. There is a sandwich option but they are very small and in my opinion, overpriced.

More concerning was a perceived lack of understanding of gluten free diet when a member of staff offered me garlic bread (which was not gf) as an option. There used to be freshly prepared toasted sandwiches and other hot food options available. Sadly this is not the case anymore. I know that Monklands will be moving but as the New Monklands is still some way off, we need to address more food options for staff and visitors within the current hospital sites. To be honest, I dread to think what the gf options would be if I were to be an inpatient at any time within these sites as I imagine that the options would be just as limited.

As this is a hospital and dietary requirements are a health issue, I feel that this is something that restaurants /canteens must improve and take a leadership role in.  This does not have to incur massive costs as there are many dishes that can be made in bulk which are naturally gluten free. Current food options are not inclusive for those who have to follow a gluten free diet and I have felt frustrated and embarrassed when seeking out same. 

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Responses

Response from June Levick, Head of Hotel Services, PSSD - Hotel Services, NHS Lanarkshire 5 days ago
We are preparing to make a change
June Levick
Head of Hotel Services, PSSD - Hotel Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Responsible for delivering Domestic, Catering, Porters, Switchboard, Transport services at University Hospital Monklands, Coathill, Beckford Lodge, Airbles Rd, Cleland, Udston, Ladyholme, Kello, Kilsyth Victoria, Stonehouse, Wester Moffat

Submitted on 22/07/2024 at 16:56
Published on Care Opinion at 16:57

Dear justme01,

Thank you for bringing to my attention the lack of Gluten Free choice in the dining room, a review of the menu's is being undertaken with the aim to introduce a new range of dishes during September. Following your posting we will review how an improved range of Gluten Free options can be made available to customers along with improving knowledge/ understanding of the staff relating to Gluten Free options in the dining room.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see available.

June.Levick@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

Kind Regards,

June

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by justme01 (a service user)

Dear June,

Thank you so much for your response to my original post. That a review of both the menu and the knowledge and understanding of staff with a view to improving both is such a positive outcome. This will make such a difference to both staff and visitors to the dining rooms who have a gluten free dietary requirement. It also gives me hope that should I ever be an inpatient, I can rest assured that my dietary needs would be more appropriately accounted for.

I would love to be in contact with suggestions for the menu so I really appreciate your contact details being provided.

Many thanks and best wishes.

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