Chips from the chip shop can be great finger food and lift the spirits of long stay patients

To relieve the boredom of endless hospital food, why not ask if you can bring in a take-away for your relative. Chips are a good choice as they don't leave a lingering smell.

Better still, ask if you can eat them outside. Even if it is a crisp, cold day, many patients will enjoy the change of scenery and the comforting, familiary taste.

A bag of chips can be a great way of keeping warm as the hot chips can act as a' hot water bottle' on the patient's lap. Just make sure that they are not too hot!

I took my mother to the local 'chippy' a few times over the summer. We then sat by the river and ate the chips together. She loved it.

Always ask before you bring any special foods to a patient. They might be on a special diet and, therefore, not allowed to eat certain foods.

Jill