From D Allen, of Kallangur, Queensland, Australia

Dear Sir

I feel I must comment on the article about the catering staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital. In the first two weeks of May this year I spent a lot of time at the hospital as my father had been diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer. He was a patient who was not allowed anything by mouth.

On most of the days that I spent there catering staff continued to ask if he would like something to eat. This also included cups of tea. It appeared to me that none of them bothered to read the sign which indicated "Nil By Mouth" which was displayed at his bedside. It made me wonder if any of the catering staff had been properly trained in these matters or if they were left to just get on with the job. I am sure the answer to this problem is suitable training. I would also like to add the the nursing staff and doctors at the hospital were absolutely fantastic. All were extremely kind and helpful and I believe they deserve all the praise they get and more. They made my father's last days more comfortable for him to bear.

I feel this also helped my family, especially my mother, cope during my father's illness and also in the time since he passed away. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Palliative Team, who were also wonderful people, for their help and support.

david.allen@qp.qld.gov.au

published: June 15, 2000