Alberta Health Services is facing criticism from parents who have children undergoing outpatient cancer treatment over what appears to be a cost-cutting measure now requiring them to bring their own snacks, drinks and other food to the clinics.

“These kids are already going through hell,” so to no longer offer them popsicles, soda pop or other snacks “seems like such a silly, silly thing,” said Amanda Moppet-Beatch, whose 11-year-old son Easton is battling brain cancer.

She describes them as small, colourful pieces of joy on what can be a torturous day for the children and their families.

Moppet-Beatch said she learned about the new AHS policy on Friday when she took her son in for his latest round of chemotherapy.

That can last for up to eight hours and sometimes includes a lumbar puncture to check for cancer cells in his spinal fluid.

The new policy is also frustrating for Bre Kagler, who has a 15-month old daughter who is undergoing outpatient chemotherapy for cancer in both of her eyes.

“These kids are going through a horrible, horrible time and you’re going to take away food — of all things,” said Kagler.

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Kagler and her toddler — who she only wants identified as “Baby H” — can spend between six and eight hours at the hospital for each round of chemotherapy.

“The main thing that I’m finding is people think of popsicles as a reward, but a popsicle isn’t just a reward,” said Kagler.

“It is a tool for nurses, it is hydration for patient, it is a tool to get a relationship with the nurses and it’s a distraction tool as well because these poor little patients are getting poked.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It is a tool for nurses, it is hydration for patient, it is a tool to get a relationship with the nurses and it's a distraction tool as well because these poor little patients are getting poked."

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Until the policy changed, Baby H would also be given a small food tray with cheese sandwich, a fruit cup and some milk — now she’s being told that’s also being taken away.

“The challenge is these little friends, they don’t have an appetite because of this horrible disease they are going through and when they do have an appetite, this is something they should have access to,” said Kagler.

“They’re screaming in pain and you’re going to take away one of the few things that can comfort them,” added Kagler, while fighting back tears.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They're screaming in pain and you're going to take away one of the few things that can comfort them," added Kagler, while fighting back tears.

A copy of the AHS memo, obtained by Global News, states that “patient food services will no longer supply food to non-inpatient areas, such as diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, IV clinics, etc.

Exceptions include day surgery, eating disorder clinics and swallowing assessment clinics where therapeutic items are required for clinical testing.

“Additionally hypoglycemia kits will no longer be supplied; glucose tablets should be obtained from pharmacy as required.”

The memo adds that “clinics are encouraged to remind patients to bring snacks, meals or money for food purchases,” and, “most sites have vending machines or on-side retail food services and staff can provide information on nearby food options.”

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But Kagler said buying food at the hospital, or nearby, is expensive, it’s not always the best quality and most of it’s too heavy for chemo patients.

“Whether it’s a popsicle after a needle poke or ginger ale to calm that nauseous tummy, crackers when they can’t eat anything else — it seems like this is essential,” said Moppet-Beatch.

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After learning about the new policy, Moppet-Beatch took her concerns to social media.

“What inspired me to write that post is because I had just listened to this little two-year-old just screaming about not wanting that needle poke to begin chemo.”

Moppet-Beatch’s post has since been shared thousands of times, with some people even offering to donate popsicles and other snacks for the children.
As part of a statement provided to Global News Monday evening, AHS said, “these changes are about limiting food waste and ensuring available food goes to the patients who require it. Popsicles and ginger ale are still available to patients at Alberta Children’s Hospital — rumours of their removal are false.”

“There are no changes to popsicle availability in any pediatric areas and they will remain on offer. Other comfort foods, like ginger ale, will continue to be provided based on site-specific decisions,” said AHS.
When asked about the change in policy during a press conference in Airdrie on Monday, Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said AHS is working to “streamline their processes for food” and “disperse” it when it’s medically required.

However, when asked about children who are undergoing outpatient treatment for cancer not being offered popsicles or other snacks, LaGrange said she “will certainly look into it.”

“Of course we want our children to be looked after,” said LaGrange.

“We want everyone who’s coming out of surgery or out of significant procedures to have what they need, whether it’s ginger ale, whether it’s a popsicle, that is not the intent of what I understood was going to happen.

“And if something is different, I will absolutely make sure that we clarify it and make sure those kids get what they need.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "And if something is different, I will absolutely make sure that we clarify it and make sure those kids get what they need."

Moppet-Beatch said her son never wanted to be the poster child for a campaign like this, but he’s proud of his mom — and she’s hopeful it does help bring change.

6:42 Health care expert concerned about patient care amid looming AHS restructuring