I was a patient in the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow for a period of 11 days in January of this year and I was appalled at the quality of food served. Meals consisted of various strange combinations such as lasagne with mashed potato & brussel sprouts and macaroni cheese served with cauliflower. Meals which were served with gravy or sauces were cold, congealed, lumpy, tasteless and inedible. One of the meals I received was "baked egg with cheese". When I attempted to eat this I discovered to my dismay that the egg dish was raw in the middle. Serving uncooked egg to people who are already sick does not seem to me to be particularly wise. In addition, with the exception of the main meal, food is served in polystyrene tubs with plastic spoons. Patients are not even afforded the dignity of proper crockery or cutlery.
I was admitted to the hospital again in February for surgery. This time I was prepared. I had already cooked myself some dinners which I kept in my home freezer and which my family defrosted and brought to the hospital for me. I do believe, however, that it is outrageous that I felt that I had to resort to doing this. This was only an option for me as I live close to the hospital however for many patients this would not be feasible. In any case, it should not be necessary for anyone to provide their own food while in hospital.
During my January stay in hospital I lost 8lbs in weight in period of11 days. This can be attributed completely to the fact that I did not eat a proper meal for the entire duration of my stay. Surely recuperation periods in hospital should be used to build people up and ensure that they can enjoy a proper recovery, not to send their weight and wellbeing hurtling off in the opposite direction?
I was interested to read a comment left by a patient on this page approximately a year ago which was annotated as having resulted in changes being made. My experience would suggest that either there were no changes made or that these changes were insufficient.
I was told by one of the nursing staff that the food in the New Victoria Hospital across the road is far superior. Would it not be an option to serve this food in both establishments?
"Quality of Hospital Catering"
About: Victoria Infirmary Victoria Infirmary Glasgow G42 9TY
Posted by JMK (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Paul Cannon