CORONAVIRUS patients at Musgrove Park Hospital are being offered drinks, tastes and smells to remind them of home.

The Taste of Home initiative launched this week aims to give people the chance to sample familiar drinks or confectionery while they are away from loved ones.

Staff have access to a trolley with a variety of drinks and comforts from blackcurrant squash or tea to frozen lollies or even a small alcoholic tipple. Hand creams and confectionery are also available.

Enhance supportive care nurse Lucy Chambers said: “We know some patients recovering from illness or at the end of their life may desire the smell and taste of their favourite tipple or treat, so we're doing everything we can to bring this to them.

“With people unable to visit their loved ones at the moment, we hope this initiative brings a reminder of home and family, and gives them a boost to support their wellbeing.

“Many of the people who are being cared for at the hospital with COVID-19 may also have difficulties swallowing, or even be nil by mouth, so we want to offer them a chance to safely smell or taste their favourite food and drink.

“We want to thank all the organisations who have helped to support this fantastic initiative, which will really help us to support our patients’ and boost their spirits.”

Most of the Taste of Home items have been donated by Exeter Chiefs RFC, M&S, Taunton Town FC, Somerset County Cricket Club and Musgrove’s League of Friends.