"Lack of gluten free snack after procedure"

I attended Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline for a gynaecology procedure at the day bed unit. I was very happy with the care I received from the time I entered the unit until I left and felt every stage of my care was explained fully to me.

However I am coeliac (which was stated on all my forms) and the nurse told me that she was sorry that the unit had no gluten free snacks that I could have after my procedure. She then phoned the dietitian, and various other people and hospitals to no avail. I eventually phoned my husband who came in with some bread and biscuits, although we do not live locally.

I told the staff that on a previous visit to the Victoria hospital for a colonoscopy/ endoscopy, where a larger amount of patients may be Coeliac, they also had no food and although the kitchen informed them they had bread they refused to deliver it and the unit didn't have enough staff to collect it themselves.

On both occasions the care was excellent but very disappointing that NHS Fife find difficulty delivering the appropriate food and snacks for a known condition. This is a medical condition and not a lifestyle choice and you can understand if you haven't eaten for about 15 hours prior it can be very distressing. I was fortunate today that my husband could deliver my food although it's very disappointing that when I use NHS fife I have to bring my own food!