Home-cooked food can help whet the appetite of a patient in hospital

Susan Williams of Cardiff sent us her wonderful ideas for cheering up her father and encouraging him to eat while he was in hospital.

She writes......

I used to take hot food in for my father. I used a thermos flask designed for food or soup., It had an especially wide neck. I took various meals which he fancied - hot dogs(heated at home, then poured, including brine, into the flask) and chili con carne sauce (I took the rice in a plastic container). I took plates and cutlery. He loved it.

The point is, when you are in hospital and away from your usualy hobbies and routines, food is one of the few enjoyments available.

I also heated part-baked bread and wrapped it in foil. It was still warm when I got to the hospital.

Susan Williams

Note from Jill: I think this idea is great but always check with staff before bringing in hot food.