I read that sales of Guinness are on the slide
Imagine the shock! horror! reaction if someone today proposed that Guinness should be available on NHS prescription
And yet it used to be. Recommended for those who needed building up. Poor people who struggled to provide themselves with an adequate diet, or for those with illness-induce poor appetite
Including, if memory serves, nursing mothers. No doubt to be drunk while the poor little baby was alone outside in the garden
An elderly gentleman with mobility problems occupied a flat below us when we lived in Kensal Rise in the 1960s. Happily the bay window in his living room looked out across the road to the off licence. So he was able to put a sign in his window when he had a new prescription. The Guinness, in 1/4 or 1/3 pint cans was then delivered to his door
Other food stuffs could also be prescribed. I seem to remember that baked beans were on the list.
Its not that many years ago that I read the practice had been finally discontinued. Now they prescribe very expensive nutrition drinks instead
