Nutrition fact sheets launched for hospital caterers

These factsheets have been produced by the NPSA in conjunction with the Royal College of Nursing, the Hospital Caterers Association, the National Association of Care Catering, BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and key stakeholders from the private sector, to improve the nutritional screening of patients and service users when they enter a care setting. Nutritional screening is historically poorly complied with amongst healthcare professionals. In 2006 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) estimated that only 30% of patients were screened for malnutrition on admission to hospital. Speaking about the importance of nutritional screening, Caroline Lecko, Nutrition lead at the NPSA said: "Routine nutritional screening of patients and service users is something that all health and social care settings should establish. The early detection of malnutrition by the screening of vulnerable risk groups – those with chronic disease and the elderly – can identify those who would benefit from specialised dietary support. We urge all health and social care staff and care caterers to follow the guidance laid out in these factsheets to help improve nutrition and hydration standards in all health and social care settings." The factsheets recommend that all patients and service users should have access to food and beverages 24 hours a day, ensuring good nutritional care is achieved and is at the heart of service planning. Another key focus in the factsheets is the need to ensure that every patient and service user has a nutritional care plan which identifies their unique nutritional needs and how they can be met. This could include considerations such as providing help and advice on food choices; ensuring food is tasty, appealing and of good nutritional value and providing a pleasant environment in which to eat. Patrick South, Head of Public Affairs of Age Concern England said: "The NPSA factsheets are an important step towards ending the scandal of malnutrition in hospitals. It is crucial that every ward in every hospital now put these recommendations into practice. There should be no excuse for patients not getting the nutritional support they need to make a full recovery from illness." The remaining three factsheets will be available in April 2009. To download the existing factsheets click here.