Health and hydration promotion

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust last week marked Nutrition and Hydration Week by taking part in a global afternoon tea event in various facilities throughout the Trust area, including the Lisgarel and Joymount residential homes locally
Larne and Inver Primary School pupil, Megan McCaughey is pictured with Iris McCourt (left) and Meta Shaw at the afternoon tea in Lisgarel to celebrate Nutritional and Hydration Day. INLT 13-012-PSBLarne and Inver Primary School pupil, Megan McCaughey is pictured with Iris McCourt (left) and Meta Shaw at the afternoon tea in Lisgarel to celebrate Nutritional and Hydration Day. INLT 13-012-PSB
Larne and Inver Primary School pupil, Megan McCaughey is pictured with Iris McCourt (left) and Meta Shaw at the afternoon tea in Lisgarel to celebrate Nutritional and Hydration Day. INLT 13-012-PSB

The aim of the week was to highlight the importance of good nutrition and hydration in health and social care settings and advise patients and service users of action they could take to improve their nutritional intake.

Facilities taking part held an afternoon tea for the patients and service users to promote the DHSSPS Promoting Good Nutrition Strategy, and to raise the awareness with staff that afternoon tea is an opportunity to increase patient calorie and fluid intake.

Some facilities were visited by the National President of the Hospital Caterers Association, Fionnuala Cook, who did a tour to encourage good nutrition and political representatives were also in attendance at some events.

Olive MacLeod, Director of Nursing and Patient Experience for the Northern Trust, said: “We were keen to promote Nutrition and Hydration Week as we know that many people within health and care settings are at high risk of malnutrition.

“By raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration and identifying those individuals at risk of malnutrition we can ensure the appropriate support is put in place and that people receive the care we would expect for our families and ourselves.”

The event also provided the opportunity for staff to increase their learning and understanding with promotion of ‘The 10 Key Characteristics for Good Nutritional Care.