News

Hospital Catering and Patient Nutrition

07.2.12

The National Assembly for Wales’s Public Accounts Committee have today produced a report on Hospital Catering and Patient Nutrition, based on the Auditor General’s original report in March 2011.

Ruth Marks, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, who gave evidence to the committee during the their work, said: “This report supports several findings and recommendations from my review of older people’s experiences in hospital in Wales.

“The findings of my review, and the practical recommendations which have been accepted in full, covered issues such as the importance of assistance with eating and drinking, the key role that ward sisters and those in charge have, the importance of good communication, effective use of volunteers and the importance of sharing good practice and valuing the patient’s experience.

“Having nutritional and appealing food is an essential part of getting better.  Older people in hospitals may require occasional assistance to choose from the menu or reaching their food or drink.  It is important to be able to have the support from staff, relatives or friends if they are able to attend at meal times, or from trained volunteers.

“I have visited Wrexham Maelor Hospital and seen the quality of the food prepared and the care taken with choice and support.  I’ve also met with enthusiastic and effective volunteers such as the Robin volunteers at the Royal Gwent in Newport.

“This report keeps the issue of hospital catering current and illustrates the importance of ongoing monitoring.  I am visiting every health board in March to check that they are meeting their targets for improving dignity and respect and I will publish the findings of my visits”.