Throughout the week, a range of activities will be taking place up and down the country at sites where Medirest and WhiteOaks provide services. Medirest teams across more than 15 sites will be holding tea parties to celebrate the week and encourage patients and visitors alike to keep hydrated, whilst other teams will be hosting a range of activities, from fairs to food-tasting events, to promote the initiative.
All 45 care homes WhiteOaks operates in will be taking part in the National Tea Party on Wednesday 19 March to promote hydration amongst the 2,000 care home residents that they cater for.
In addition, WhiteOaks managers and chefs have also attended additional nutrition and hydration training sessions led by Nicky Martin, head of nutrition at Compass Group UK & Ireland, highlighting the importance of nutrition and hydration when catering for elderly residents.
Speaking of Nutrition and Hydration Week, Maxine Cartz, lead dietitian for healthcare at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented: “This is a really important week in the calendar and something we’re really keen to promote across hospitals and care homes. As well as raising awareness about the importance of eating healthily and keeping hydrated, we’re giving our front-line teams all the training they need to cater for both vulnerable and elderly patients and residents, whilst encouraging people to drink throughout the day – not just at meal times.”