Just what the doctor ordered

16 March 2015

Nutrition and Hydration Week kicks off today and West Middlesex Hospital are getting behind the national campaign with a variety of activities for staff, patients and visitors to help spread the word on good nutrition and hydration.

Nutrition and Hydration Week kicks off today and West Middlesex Hospital are getting behind the national campaign with a variety of activities for staff, patients and visitors to help spread the word on good nutrition and hydration.

The campaign is in collaboration with the Hospital Caterers Association, National Association of Care Catering and Patient Safety Domain NHS England. Its mission is: ‘to create a global movement that will reinforce and focus energy, activity and engagement on nutrition and hydration as an important part of quality care, experience and safety improvement in health and social care settings.’

There are a range of local initiatives taking place at West Middlesex this week to raise the profile of this safety issue, including an afternoon tea on Wednesday 18 March for patients and their visitors. There will also be a nutrition and hydration stand in the Atrium with dieticians on hand to offer expert advice on healthy eating and drinking.

On Thursday 19 March, the hospital will welcome Caroline Lecko, Patient Safety lead for NHS England who will be delivering a talk on pressure ulcers and nutrition, followed by a meal time observation.

Senior executives and ward sisters will observe meal times, audit nursing records, and observe patients to ensure they can reach a glass of water (unless nil by mouth).

Dietician, Michelle Jones, said: “This week highlights how important it is that patients in our care have the right nutrition and hydration at the right time Malnutrition is a serious problem - the consequences include vulnerability to infection, delayed wound healing, impaired function of heart and lungs, decreased muscle strength, depression, pressure sore and ultimately premature death. By ensuring our patients are well nourished and hydrated, overall outcomes are significantly improved.”

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