The team which led the week – Caroline Lecko, patient safety lead for NHS England, Derek Johnson, Nutrition & Hydration Week lead for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and Andy Jones, chairman of the Hospital Caterers (HCA) – said the winning campaign had involved a lot of people throughout the healthcare and social care sectors.
“It is their hard work, dedication and determination to make a difference that made the week so successful,” said Lecko.
“We are delighted to be recognised by our peers. The week is starting to make a difference in this vital area of health and social care. It is important that carers remember that nutritional intake, including fluids, is a key aspect of nutritional care.”
Jones said: “It is fantastic that our work has been recognised. We have come a long way in a short time from what started out as an idea of a shared day with the NACC.
“Joining with NHS England provided real impetus to move on this most basic but core aspect of good care. We have started the ball rolling, but it is yet to gain the momentum we need to make fundamental changes to how we view food and drink in health and social care.”
Johnson said: “The award will add impetus to the growing engagement overseas. This worldwide engagement also demonstrates wherever care and healthcare is provided, raising awareness of the benefits of good food and drink in enhancing quality of life and healing is an issue for everyone providing these essential services.”
And Neel Radia, the NACC Chair, added: “Nutrition & Hydration Week has made a tremendous impact in health and social care, raising the profile of good nutritional care.
“I have seen the plans for 2015 and they are big – so if the team has been recognised for the impact they made this year, then they really are a group of influential people to watch in 2015.”
The creation and success of the first combined Nutrition & Hydration Week , which took place March 17-23 which earned the event its award. It aims to raise the awareness of the importance of good nutrition in health and social care and to illustrate how by making changes to eating and drinking habits people can improve their quality of life.
Nutrition & Hydration Week 2015 will take place from March 16-22 and the team has been busy contacting international colleagues to join the party. Interest has been generated in over 20 countries with organisers aiming to reach a target of 32 participating so that they can create a Nutrition and Hydration World Cup.