Promoting Good Nutrition and Hydration

In response to a recent regional Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) document, the Northern Trust has launched two new posters entitled ‘Promoting Good Nutrition’ and ‘High Five - Calorie Foods’. The purpose of these posters is to raise awareness and promote high calorie provision for patients who are at risk of under-nutrition in hospital.

The launch of these new posters and patient information literature was accompanied by interactive road-shows in three of the Trust’s hospitals – Antrim Area, Causeway and Holywell.

The interactive road-shows were planned to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and hydration with nursing, medical staff, domestic services staff, as well as patients and visitors to the hospitals.

The catering departments provided food to illustrate portion size examples and the calorie content of each meal was highlighted. A variety of food portions each containing 100 calories was also used to raise awareness of the importance and value of small, frequent snacks for patients.

Joanne Deery, Dietetic Team Lead commented, “Good nutrition is the cornerstone to patient care and recovery.

“It is essential that patients receive nutritious meals, as well as small frequent nourishing snacks, and given assistance by nursing staff where needed”.

It is hoped this new innovative work will help to raise staff and patient awareness on under- nutrition and assist in a meaningful positive contribution to patient care.