Sensing Spaces of Healthcare

I remember… being in … hospital to have my tonsils out – I can’t remember how long I stayed on the ward but I do remember the taste of the ice cream that I got to have every day!

Several years ago, I was in hospital for a mastectomy after a diagnosis of breast cancer. I’d been wheeled into the pre-op area, and the nurses and anaesthetist were chatting around me. One of them said brightly, ‘I’m going on holiday tomorrow so there’s a lemon drizzle cake in the staff room.’ I can remember mumbling – drowsily – ‘Ah, I love lemon drizzle…’ When I was returned to the ward, post-op, there on the bedside table was a huge slice of cake. To this day, I cannot think of, or taste, lemon drizzle cake without welling up. Such kindness!

I remember… I was in hospital and couldn’t get a dietician – I had 4 days of baked potatoes and cheese!

I remember… The taste of the orange ice cubes the night nurse made me when I was so sick I couldn’t eat.

I remember… The taste of prawn cocktail crisps after my tonsils were taken out … the perfect cure!

I remember… The staff were very friendly when I was admitted during lockdown – I was suffering very badly with my mental health. The food was lovely, I remember soup and a chicken burger

I remember… Not enjoying the food. It was cold soup for lunch and same for tea. Nurses & Drs were more friendly than in 2000s. Smell of everywhere like bleach – was pleasant.

I remember… The food – every day cheese toasties, stir fry, potatoes. My friend said you should leave that hospital! But the hospital was nicer than what I eat now because someone cooked it for me!

I remember… The taste of almost cold jacket potatoes with cheese that wouldn’t melt, strawberry jelly topped with a decorated dollop of mousse. Both foods I couldn’t eat for at least a year after.