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Food and drink is just what the doctor ordered

Time for lunch: Staff nurse Katja Mukhtar with inpatient Ruth Woods on Syon 2 ward

A national campaign to highlight the importance of good food and drink for hospital patients was supported by West Middlesex University Hospital last week (23^rd – 27^th January).

Poor nutrition and hydration leads to poor health, increased and prolonged hospital admissions and increased cost to the NHS.

The campaign was run by National Patient Safety Agency and Patient Safety First to reinforce and focus energy and activity on nutrition and hydration for patients staying in hospital.

There were a range of local initiatives to raise the profile of this very important safety issue at West Mid.

Senior executives and ward sisters observed meal times, nursing records were audited, and patients were observed to ensure they can reach a glass of water (unless nil by mouth).

Dietitians were also on hand in the main atrium to provide information on healthy eating.

Julie Wright, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “We have an ongoing commitment to ensuring our patients have food and drink that supports their wellbeing and recovery while staying with us. The week was a great opportunity for us to give extra focus to this important area.”

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Notes to Editors:

Poor nutrition and hydration leads to increased risk of infection, poor skin integrity and delayed wound healing, decreased muscle strength, depression and, sadly, premature death. Click here for more information.

A typical menu for inpatients at West Middlesex University Hospital offers a range of meals from sandwiches, salads and hot meals. A typical meal would be soup followed by a main, and a hot or cold pudding. There is always:

Soup to start for both lunch and dinner
Vegetables and potatoes with a hot meal
A soft and puréed hot meal available
Fruit and yoghurt available after a meal
An Asian and Halal option on the menu

For information or to arrange an interview, please contact the communications team on 020 8321 6342.

West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust is a major acute hospital in Isleworth, West London. It provides a full range of services to residents of the London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames.