Could Cornish ice-cream be better for convalescing patients than the traditional grapes and chocolates?

 

 

That?s the question that Truro?s Duchy Hospital is setting out to answer with a month-long trial on its wards.

 

 

The hospital has teamed up with the award-winning Callestick Farm near Truro, to see whether a bowl of ice-cream could help patients feel better, and get better, more quickly.

 

 

The ice-cream will be offered to patients recovering from a range of procedures carried out at the hospital including joint and other orthopaedic operations, eye surgery and cosmetic procedures.

 

 

Rolf Paddy, Duchy Hospital?s Head Chef commented: ?We know that good food is a crucial element of good health, especially if you?re recovering from illness or surgery. For many people ice cream is a comfort food and, in moderation, can be really nutritional. With so many great local ice cream makers on our doorstep in Cornwall, we?ve decided to see what effect this has on our patients.?

The decision to use Callestick Farm ice cream is part of the Duchy Hospital?s commitment to source as much and food and drink as it can locally, with all fresh ingredients from local suppliers.

 

 

Rolf continued: ?We?re not claiming a month?s trial will provide a great scientific breakthrough, but it?ll help show how much of an effect just a small change can bring. We?re constantly looking for ways we can improve our menus and are regularly complimented on the quality and presentation of our food.?

 

 

The trial will involve a range of flavours, with patients questioned on their perceptions of their wellbeing, health and the impact that their food has on their recovery.

 

 

Angela Parker from Callestick Farm commented: ?We?re pleased to be working with the Duchy Hospital on this and hope that patients enjoy our products. As makers and ice cream fans we know how comforting and nutritious a bowl or tub of ice cream can be, and I hope this is borne out by the findings of this trial.?

 

 

The Duchy Hospital is also keen to showcase local products to the growing number of patients who travel from out of the county to take advantage of the hospital?s expertise in a number of areas.