If you have coeliac disease and need to be admitted to hospital, it’s essential to inform the staff about your need for a gluten free diet.

While understanding of gluten free requirements can vary between hospitals, UK-wide food standards are in place to ensure that your dietary needs are met. It’s important to speak up for yourself, or ask a family member, friend, or caregiver to help communicate your needs.

Explore our essential tips and resources to guide you in making sure hospital staff understand your gluten free requirements. Coeliac UK members can also access additional support, including our Helpline and Food and Drink Information, to assist during your hospital stay. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Unplanned hospital stays can be overwhelming, and worrying about your diet shouldn’t add to the stress. While some staff may not fully understand the importance of a gluten free diet, it’s important to speak up and advocate for yourself:

• When choosing meals, ask the ward housekeeper about gluten free options. Some hospitals highlight gluten free meals or have separate menus, but always enquire about cross-contamination risks
• Request to see a dietitian early in your admission, as they typically handle meal orders
• If you’re unsure about your meal, double check with staff to ensure it meets gluten free requirements. Never assume it’s safe
• If possible, have a family member, friend, or caregiver bring in resources like a gluten free checklist, kitchen poster, or template letter to help inform staff

Planned stays in hospital

For planned hospital stays, preparation is crucial. Contact the hospital in advance to inform them of your dietary requirements. Speaking with the ward sister or dietitian ahead of time can help ensure that the hospital is ready to cater to your gluten free needs. Some hospitals may need extra time to order in specific gluten free foods like bread and crackers, so advance notice is helpful.

Questions to ask before your hospital stay include whether a gluten free menu is available, if gluten free snacks will be provided, and whether you need to see a dietitian to plan your meals. Packing some gluten free snacks and resources like Coeliac UK’s Food and Drink Guide or app is also a good idea, in case there are any gaps in the hospital’s catering.

Hospital Food Standards Across the UK

The standards for providing gluten free meals vary across the UK, but all hospitals must accommodate patients with coeliac disease. These standards ensure that your dietary needs are taken seriously and that appropriate food is provided.

In England, as of April 2015, hospitals must follow legally binding food standards. The British Dietetic Association’s Nutrition and Hydration Digest (3rd edition 2023), developed with support from Coeliac UK, recommends that hospitals have policies for providing gluten free meals and for training staff involved in food preparation and service to eliminate cross-contamination.

Northern Ireland follows a standard that requires all patients to be screened for malnutrition upon admission, although there is no specific mention of coeliac disease. It is crucial to inform staff immediately about your need for a gluten free diet and discuss this with ward staff beforehand if your stay is planned.

In Scotland, hospitals must offer food that meets all dietary requirements, including gluten free options. Upon admission, your dietary needs should be assessed to ensure the hospital can cater for them. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct meals.

For Wales, hospital standards are mandatory, ensuring gluten free meals are provided to patients with coeliac disease. These standards also highlight the importance of cross-contamination prevention through rigorous cleaning of work areas, equipment, and utensils.

Ensuring you’re catered for in hospital is crucial for maintaining your health. Speak up and use the resources available to make your gluten free needs clear.