Bakery boss spares a thought for dialysis patientsBy Emma Cousins
Peterborough Today News, UK
DEC 23 -- WHILE many of us will be gobbling down countless mince pies over the festive season, spare a thought for those on kidney dialysis who are only allowed one a year.
High potassium foods such as mincemeat, bananas, nuts and oranges are normally banned for those with kidney disease as they can cause a rapid heart beat or even a heart attack.
However, once a year, patients at Peterborough District Hospital are allowed to bend the rules and have one of these delicious Christmas snacks under the watchful gaze of nurses as a special treat.
Normally, the patients buy their own batch to share. This year, however, staff at The Baker's Oven in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, donated 72 mince pies to the hospital's renal ward.
When patient Crystal Letch (64), from Farcet, near Peterborough, contacted the firm, they were only too happy to help out as area manager John Grimes' daughter Sian (9) had kidney complications when she was younger and needs yearly check-ups.
He said: "Luckily, she doesn't need dialysis, but it was a very scary time for all of us. I wanted to do whatever I could for the patients here and if that means some well-deserved mince pies then I am happy to provide."
As Crystal ate her mince pies, savouring the taste for as long as possible, she grinned in delight at her Christmas treat. She said: "I do miss food like mince pies. These are a real treat."
Acting ward manager Julie Chapman said: "It was really kind of John to come in."
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http://www.peterboroughnow.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=1944655&SectionID=845 EDITED: Moved Thread to Proper Topic, News Articles - Sluff, Moderator