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Having had children on special diets hospitalized all too often over the
years, I'd like to put my two cents in.

All too frequently, the dieticians are doing their job, and the correct meal
is produced - but inadvertently delivered to the wrong patient.  What I have
found very effective is to work with the nursing staff, their aides, and the
support staff that delivers the meals.  A friendly "can you help me", a
description of the diet - noting that it is the result of a medical
condition - and I have found that people will do everything that they can to
help.  I always request that the diet be entered on their chart -  I ask
their doctor to do it  (or if they are seeing a specialist, have their
regular doctor call it in as a special 'order').  I make sure that I speak
to the staff on all shifts.

In a large, busy place, slip-ups are inevitable - so the more eyes you have
watching the better.  I have always been pleased with the responsiveness of
the hospital staff.