Hospital plan to boost nutrition
Mealtimes at a Black Country hospital will no longer be interrupted unless treatment is urgent, following concerns raised nationally that some elderly people are going hungry while on wards.
A new Protected Mealtimes initiative has been launched at Russells Hall Hospital after Age Concern highlighted the plight of elderly people suffering from malnutrition in hospitals across the country. A report, Hungry To Be Heard, was published by the charity last October.
It warned that some elderly patients were not eating because the food served was unsuitable, meals were left out of reach or lunchtimes were interrupted for non-essential tests.
At Russells Hall, in Dudley, these concerns have been taken on board and staff who focus on championing the needs of the elderly have looked at how they can ensure patients don't end up malnourished.
It has been agreed all non-urgent treatment will be halted until all patients have received their meals. Essential treatment and pain relief will continue ensuring patients are not put at risk.
Posters advising of the initiative are displayed on the entrances to wards and departments.
Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Paul Farenden said: "It is essential that whilst a patient is receiving treatment or care in our hospitals, that we ensure they get a balanced, nutritional diet, as this is vital to aiding recovery and rehabilitation."
Chief officer from Age Concern Dudley Sally Huband said: "We are delighted to support these initiatives. It is recognised that good nutrition plays a major part in ensuring speedy recovery."
