29.01.13
Nutrition Advocates programme launched
A new programme has been launched to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition in health and social care settings.
Nutrition Advocates is launched by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA).
It is a programme of volunteers from health and social care units, who provide a focal point of contact and reference for nutrition issues.
The advocates will improve nutrition and hydration care and feeding practices to meet patients’ nutrition requirements and prevent malnutrition and dehydration. The programme will seek to embed best practice throughout the health service.
Karen Oliver, NACC chair, said: “Low awareness of malnutrition and dehydration amongst service users, carers and care professionals is still widespread. Having a focus for good nutrition in all settings is therefore vital. The Nutrition Advocates will provide a crucial link in the Nutrition Pathway for any social or health care setting.
“Many social and health care staff are in a position to help monitor the health of older people so it is imperative that we ensure they have the awareness and tools to provide the care our vulnerable patients and service users deserve. The Nutrition Advocates will be important components in this process.”
Janice Gillan, HCA chair, commented: “The Nutrition Advocates would further underpin key messages in hospitals and healthcare teams such as protected mealtimes. With the strong economic argument for supporting people with good nutrition and hydration there is a need to ensure every health care setting and team has someone in place to keep abreast of the changing face of good nutritional care.”
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