Southend staff make pledges for Nutrition and Hydration Week
21 March 2016
Health Care
Last week was Nutrition and Hydration Week, its aim nationally is to help reduce malnutrition related illnesses that often require complex treatments. This can prolong recovery periods, prevent hospital admissions and associated increased NHS costs, and can reduce the quality of life of the person affected.
An informative display encouraged staff from across all areas of
the hospital to make their own individual pledges to think about
ways they could ensure patients don't suffer from malnutrition and
dehydration.
Pledges came in from everyone from domestics to consultants and
members of the chaplaincy, one even vowing to keep an eye out for
patients who haven't got a drink when they are passing through
wards.
Claire Buckell, clinical development nurse, said: "We've been
illustrating how, by making positive changes to eating and drinking
habits, people can improve their quality of life. Supporting the
week helps raise awareness of the importance of good nutritional
care, which includes hydration."
"We've had some wonderful ideas and it's been fantastic to get
so many people energised about how making a little change can make
a really big difference to patients. It's really given staff some
food and drink for thought."
Staff also took the opportunity to try out some of the drink
supplements, such as milky drinks and juices that come in an array
of flavours such as apple, orange, vanilla and mocha. Staff also
tried food for patients, many commenting on how tasty it was and
how they would now be able to make recommendations to patients when
they were asked.