There are too many stories out there of coeliacs in hospital not having access to safe food. Whether giving birth, having routine surgery, or recovering from an emergency, coeliacs should be able to eat in hospital without being told to ‘eat around the gluten’ or to have others bring food to hospital for them. Nutrition is an important part of recovery and the lack of knowledge and care in Australian hospitals to cater to coeliacs is appalling. 

Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians, with many undiagnosed, as stated by Coeliac Australia. Despite the prevalence of this autoimmune condition, many hospitals remain unequipped to meet coeliac dietary requirements, often overlooking the dire consequences of gluten exposure.

We are calling upon Coeliac Australia to spearhead an initiative ensuring that no coeliac patient has to worry about their meals at a time when they are most vulnerable. Coeliac Australia has the expertise and resources to drive this change by working with hospitals to:

1. Educate hospital staff on the serious nature of coeliac disease and the importance of a strict gluten-free diet.
2. Develop and distribute comprehensive dietary guidelines for hospitals to implement gluten-free meal preparation and handling.
3. Establish a certification program that hospitals can enroll in to be recognised as coeliac-safe.
4. Advocate for policy changes at governmental levels to ensure funding and adherence to these critical health standards.

Improving hospital care for coeliac patients is not just about food; it is about respecting human rights – the basic right to health. No coeliac should have to suffer unnecessarily in a hospital due to preventable gluten contamination.

Please join me in urging Coeliac Australia to take immediate action. Together, we can make hospitals safer for everyone with coeliac disease. Sign this petition to show your support for this vital cause.