Patients at Musgrove Park Hospital are being offered a selection of familiar drinks, tastes and smells to remind them of home.
The Taste of Home initiative launched at the hospital this week and aims to give people who are being cared for with coronavirus the chance to taste familiar drinks or confectionery while they are away from their loved ones.
Support colleagues will have access to a trolley that has a variety of drinks and comforts, from blackcurrant squash or tea, to frozen lollies or even a small alcoholic tipple. Hand creams and confectionery are also available as part of the initiative.
Lucy Chambers, our enhanced supportive care nurse, said:
“We know that some patients who are recovering from illness or at the end of their life may desire the smell and taste of their favourite tipple or treat, so we are doing everything we can to bring this to them.
With people unable to visit their loved ones at the moment we hope this initiative brings a reminder of home and family, and gives them a boost to support their wellbeing.
Many of the people who are being cared for at the hospital with COVID-19 may also have difficulties swallowing, or even be nil by mouth, so we want to offer them a chance to safely smell or taste their favourite food and drink.
We want to thank all the organisations who have helped to support this fantastic initiative, which will really help us to support our patients’ and boost their spirits.”
Most of the drinks and comforts for Tastes of Home have been generously donated by Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, M&S, Taunton Town Football Club and Musgrove Park Hospital’s League of Friends.