Nutrition Action Plan Launched

October 31, 2007 at 4:33 pm | In Prescribing Extra - Other |

The Department of Health has launched a Nutrition action plan that aims to tackle malnutrition and ensure the nutritional needs of older people in hospitals and care homes are better met.

The action plan contains five priorities:

To raise awareness of the link between nutrition and good health and that malnutrition can be treated
To ensure that accessible guidance is available across all sectors and that the most relevant guidance is appropriate and user-friendly
To strongly encourage nutritional screening for all people using health and social care services; with particular attention to those groups who are known to be vulnerable
To encourage provision and access to relevant training for frontline staff and managers on the importance of nutrition for good health and nutritional care
To clarify standards and strengthen inspection and regulation

In order to support these priorities a training programme on nutritional care and assistance with eating will be available to all NHS and social care staff from May 2008.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of the importance of good nutrition and adequate hydration for health outcomes and be able to advise patients about their diet.