Should the NHS have to cater for vegans?

I HAD a lot of sympathy with nurse Bernadette Green, who was not offered vegan food while a patient in hospital (Letters). However, instead of insisting on her rights, it may have been better to say what she could eat: salad with potatoes, beans and olive oil, or pasta with tomato sauce and tofu, for example. TINA SEAGER, Dymchurch, Kent. THERE is a big difference between a lifestyle choice such as veganism and a medical dietary need, such as coeliac disease, which I suffer from. As for halal and kosher requirements, my local hospital does everything possible to cater for these. If food does not meet religious requirements, arrangements are made with outside agencies.

SHELAGH VINALL, London E17. THE NHS is struggling to provide a basic medical service, let alone provide food choices to satisfy fads. Perhaps if people have specific requirements, they should take food on to the ward with them. Why do we consider it normal to be provided with free meals in hospital? If patients contributed towards catering costs, then maybe hospitals could afford to offer a wider choice of food. RICHARD BENDING, Swindon, Wilts. I HAvE had two serious operations and didn’t like the hospital food. Instead of moaning, I asked my wife to bring in food I did enjoy. The NHS can’t cater for the dietary needs of the minority.

TONY WOODS, Hartley Wintney, Hants. VEGANISM is a choice. What stopped Ms Green from bringing fruit and nuts to ease her hunger? It might have helped if she had made practical suggestions rather than rejecting the well-meant offers of cheese and tuna sandwiches. Hospitals are for curing ills, not for feeding fussy eaters. ANNE WOOLFE, Biddenden, Kent. HOW do you know that someone’s a vegan? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. DAVID McLEISH, address supplied.