Organisers of the annual promotional event Nutrition and Hydration Week are urging catering and healthcare teams throughout the country to sign up and get involved.
The event is used to draw attention to the need for good nutrition and hydration as an essential part of the care experience in health and social care settings.
Among the highlights of the week there is an event jointly arranged by the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), the British Dietetic Association’s Food Counts Group and the National Nurses Nutrition Group.
Taking place on 17 March, the ‘Power of Three’ aims to “demonstrate what the three bodies can do, together and individually, to improve the nutritional status of hospital patients”, according to Caroline Lecko, the patient safety lead with NHS England.
It will include a keynote address to be delivered by Dianne Jeffrey, chair of Age UK and the Hospital Food Standards panel.
She will be talking about the impact of hospital food standards on patient care followed by an afternoon of workshops in multiprofessional groups at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Lecko added: “17 March also sees the introduction of Supper Time Tuesday, where we are encouraging people to provide a snack in the evening and to share ideas on what evening snacks can consists of.
“We will be launching Nutrition and Hydration Week 2015 with a tea party event on 11 March and continuing the World Tea Party theme on 18 Wednesday, which we’re designating World Tea Party Day.
“On 19 Thursday we will be hosting a twitter chat with colleagues at @wenurses. Our colleagues at the Royal College of Nursing are getting their plans under way and are looking to feature Nutrition and Hydration Week 2015 in one of their bulletins along with running a series of guest blogs throughout the week.
“In addition to these key events, we are hoping to get out and about to join in as many activities as possible.
“Taking part in Nutrition and Hydration Week 2015 is easy as it’s all about doing something, no matter how big or small, during the week.
“The really important thing is to let us know what you are doing so that we can share your commitment to improving nutrition and hydration. You will also find lots of inspiration, ideas and downloadable resources on our website.”
You can share your plans on Twitter @nhweek #NHW2015 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nutritionandhydrationweek. To find out more, and sign up to take part in Nutrition and Hydration Week 2015, visit www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk.