"Nutritional support and dietetics"

I was an inpatient at North Devon District Hospital following an adverse reaction to cancer treatment which resulted in severe diarrhea, dehydration, hypokalemia and reduced kidney function.  The gastro dietician recommended a low residue diet, but the catering department were unable to offer this to me because I am Coeliac and need a gluten free diet.  This meant there was very little I could eat in hospital which affected my recovery.  I complained to the PALS service and I am very happy to say that my complaint has been acknowledged and changes will be made.

However, there is no oncology dietician at North Devon Hospital and now I am considering restarting my cancer treatment there will be no one there to support me in ensuring my nutritional needs are met. I think nutrition and diet are such fundamental aspects of wellness and should be given equal importance to other aspects of care at the hospital.