Letters

I completely disagree with Michael Bell (Caterer, 14 December, page 20). The one highlight in the day for some hospital patients is their meal. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that the food that I was able to present when I worked for a year in hospital catering was far from that highlight.

As I was told by the nurses and doctors, the meals were an integral part of the recuperation of the patients, not just to keep them fed.

When I started working at the hospital we were on a budget of £2 per day per patient. When I left a year later, we were driving towards £1.75, and being told that others could achieve £1.65.

I spent much of my time trying to work out how 1.75 staff could do the work of 2.25 and how much money it would save, and just what new frozen delights could be used instead of fresh food.

Name and address withheld.