Local foods, food-safety habits, hospital daily life, travel during treatment, the health system, language and emergency numbers from reliable sources.
Source: NHS — when to call 999 · NHS — when to use 111
English (and Welsh in Wales)
Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.
The National Health Service (NHS) is largely free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the UK. Visitors from abroad may be charged for some treatment — check in advance.
Good to know: The Royal Marsden has one of the largest transplant units in the UK and treats NHS and private patients. Great Ormond Street has the country’s largest paediatric transplant unit (JACIE-accredited), treats children up to 16 and accepts international referrals through its private care service.
United KingdomShepherd’s pieWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomFish and chipsWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomPorridgeWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomSunday roastWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomJacket potatoWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomCauliflower cheeseWell-cooked hot dish
United KingdomRice puddingWell-cooked hot dishWherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.
In these countries daily care is usually provided by nurses, meals come from the hospital kitchen and visiting hours are set. If you want to bring food from home, ask the ward first. An interpreter can often be booked in advance.