<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

While I agree than eternal vigilance is the price of good health, I
have been inspired by the recent postings on hospital food to relate my
own experience with my local hospital -- in the hope that it may relieve
some fears on the part of recently diagnosed celiacs. This winter I
developed a severe infection and was sent to the emergency room for urgent
i.v.antibiotics. I had recently begun insulin treatment for diabetes and
coincidentally began to go into a severe insulin reaction while I was
waiting in the Admitting area. Fortunately, they responded immediately and
rushed me to the ER, where the nurses gave me orange juice before starting
the i.v. The o.j. helped but the nurses said that I would need to have a
full meal as well. Despite my faintness I managed to tell them that I
needed a 500 calorie, gluten free meal. Fifteen minutes later, and
obviously without any prior notice, the kitchen had produced a delicious,
500 calorie, gluten free meal. I was very impressed and grateful. I offer
this story not to dispute the bad experiences which others have had but to
to let new subscribers know that hospitals, dieticians, and medical
personnel can vary widely --and some are truly excellent.I have been
fortunate that my experiences have been very good. Best wishes
to you all.

Suzanne in Walla Walla