I try to have a reasonable faith in the medical system, seeing how I’ve invested a great deal of time and money training and practicing in it. But I was a bit shocked a couple days ago. Baby got admitted to our local Children’s Hospital (that I am on staff with) after a 30 minute fever seizure (he’s fine now, mom needs a vacation). I made sure hubby brought all his food so I didn’t have to worry about what “nutrition services” might feed him. Thank goodness I did! Little did I know how much I should have worried! I really wish I would have taken a photo of his meal tray.
For a 12 month old, with allergies on the menu in bold: DAIRY PRODUCTS, PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, EGG, WHEAT, BARLEY….for dinner they sent up breaded chicken nuggets ( clearly not Ians!), french fries, salad with ranch dressing, roll with dairy based margarine, carrot and celery sticks (with ranch dip)…and soymilk. For breakfast they sent up bacon and eggs, cereal of some sort, a “gluten-free focaccia” with dairy-based margarine…and soymilk.
Aside from the inappropriateness of feeding salad and raw celery sticks 12 month olds….they basically took a regular meal and substituted soymilk! Granted, a hospital is the place to anaphylax, but I was a bit shocked that a Children’s Hospital couldn’t figure it out. When I recover my sleep and nerves, I’ll probably have a fit of conscience and offer some consultation service to the kitchen.
Aside from the inappropriateness of feeding salad and raw celery sticks 12 month olds….they basically took a regular meal and substituted soymilk! Granted, a hospital is the place to anaphylax, but I was a bit shocked that a Children’s Hospital couldn’t figure it out. When I recover my sleep and nerves, I’ll probably have a fit of conscience and offer some consultation service to the kitchen.
Oh, good grief. Way to miss the point, people.
My experience with hospital food and allergies has been mixed – sometimes they get it, sometimes they don't. But oh, the joys of the nutritionists who supervise the food challenges! Not only were they able to make beef for the Eldest's beef challenge, they especially found kosher beef, and prepared it in a new (kosher) pan…
Yep, the misses are huge. But so are the hits.
How frightening! I'm glad you thought ahead to bring his own food!
Oh my. Thank goodness you intervened! I avoid hospital food for its tastelessness.
I've "tagged" you to write your own meme. Come on over to my blog see the rules!
We've been in a children's hospital in Michigan and just recently one in Florida and the food service assistance for allergic kids is non-existant. It's ridiculous, you can't even get any answers from the staff.
I would've had a fit, but it wouldn't have been one of conscience! This is EXACTLY the same as giving a medication, such as penicillin, to a person who is allergic to it.
Hopefully you'll be able to make some positive changes working within the system. You might want to point out that this kind of thing is what makes malpractice lawyers a nice living! Good luck, Libby
This is further confirmation that we need to make sure to double check everything! When my then 19 month old had a bad reaction which landed us in the hospital the nurses were very nice about checking the ingredients of all the food. There were not a lot of options – he ate applesause and milk (dairy is not one of our allergens). I usually carry snacks for him wherever I go, but in all the chaos I did not think to bring food. Fortunatly we did not have to stay overnight.
Hey, I just found your blog through your comment on The Hungry Housewife, I love the concept, but I guess for you it's something you have to deal with seriously in everyday life.
Penicillin brings my daughter out in a meningitis-like rash (boy that was fun when we discovered that!) and last year when we were on holiday in Spain she had a mild but mysterious allergic reaction. It really shocked and scared me and I'm still quite vigilant.
My best friends daughter is also allergic to eggs and it mainly irritates her skin. I have been looking to find some recipes that I can bake for her so that she doesn't feel left out when I bring goodies round, so I will be popping back regularly. I have also added you to my blogroll
Hayley @ awaywiththefairycakes.blogspot.com