Apetito’s new cakes and sandwiches offering

The caterer believes the new products will help healthcare caterers offer a better service for elderly and vulnerable patients, who suffer from dysphagia, across a range of service times from breakfast right through to supper. The new range includes hot sandwiches available in cheese, chicken, bacon and tuna. Latest sweet additions include a hot apple and cinnamon or hot chocolate cake. The range meets national guidelines for texture-modification in adults for categories C and D and is particularly appropriate for people with swallowing difficulties linked to conditions such as dementia and strokes. Caroline Lecko, nutrition patient safety lead at the NPSA (National Patient Safety Agency), said: "There is still a lack of knowledge around dysphagia, which can affect up to 20% of hospital inpatients, and has serious implications if not treated properly. Especially worrying is that, in general, not many people know how to spot patients with swallowing difficulties, or how to safely assist people to eat." Rosemarie Hoyle, divisional manager healthcare for apetito, said: "We know from listening to our customers that our selection of texture-modified dishes provides a vital solution for the healthcare market. And the issues go far deeper than just providing food. "It's about providing dignity, nutrition and giving a patient enjoyment in their daily lives. Food is a simple pleasure that we all recognise and is particularly important in aiding recovery. "When choice is limited, patients can lose interest in food, which can quickly lead to serious problems, including malnutrition. Our research has shown that a varied menu choice is positively related to a good intake of nutrients so we've developed a flexible range of products to provide an all day solution comprising both main meals and snacks."