Making Mealtimes Matter for hosptial patients

Members of the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Board joined ward staff and assisting with mealtime services for patients last week.

It was one of many different initiatives running this week as part of our Making Mealtimes Matter campaign, which has been organised to coincide with Nutrition and Hydration Week.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition to aid our patients’ recovery, as well as showcasing the work going on around the Trust to improve patient mealtimes.

On Monday, Nick Thomas, Director of Planning and Site Services, joined staff on Burrator Ward.

Greg Dix, Director of Nursing was on hand to serve meals on Stonehouse Ward on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Bev Cox, Deputy Director of Nursing gave a helping hand on Braunton Ward, whilst Alex Aylward, Non-Executive Director at NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) helped out with the service on Lynher Ward.

Thursday saw Kevin Baber, Chief Operating Officer, joining staff on Sharp Ward and today, Director of Governance, Lee Budge, provided assistance on Hexworthy Ward.

After his service on Sharp, Kevin said: “I really enjoyed being part of the team, albeit for a short time. It was good to see the patients being cared for and having their meals in such a calm environment.

"I thought the whole mealtime was well-organised and well-managed, ensuring those in most need had the right level of attention. Sharp Ward should be very proud.”

Lee added: "What an absolute privilege to be able to serve some of our patients on Hexworthy Ward their lunch today. It was great to see the amazing nurse and catering teams do what they do so brilliantly - providing kindness and compassion (and good food!) to the people in our care.

"To top it off I was able to spend some lovely time with an incredible 92 year old Geordie lady with a wonderful human spirit (and a fellow Newcastle United supporter!). Without doubt, the absolute highlight of my week."

Earlier in the week we held a food tasting event in the main concourse of Derriford Hospital, offering sample dishes from the proposed new patient menu to patients, visitors, staff and members of the public and asking them for feedback. Some of our matrons were also on hand to discuss the importance of protected mealtimes and the red tray initiative, staff from Burrator Ward showcased how they ‘Make Mealtimes Matter’ and dietetic staff were available to demonstrate the new e-learning training package and conduct Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) assessments and explain their importance.

In addition, Warrens were handing out smoothie samples and local, family-run company, Tamar Foods, who supply our fresh fruit and veg, were giving away sample pots.

Other initiatives throughout the week included:

A ‘Tea with Matron’ every day throughout the week on various wards in the hospital. This involved our matrons taking afternoon tea out to patients and their relatives on wards and discussing food and dietary issues.

Some of our nursing staff assisted with afternoon tea service; encouraging patients to take snacks to supplement their nutritional intake.

Dietetic staff supported Dietetic Link Nurses to conduct MUST assessments.

Restaurant 7 offered a daily ‘Patient Choice’ dish. This was a selected dish from our patient menu and included a free mini fresh fruit pot.