Mealtimes Matter

MealTimes Matter GLOBALLY Its building on Protected Meal Times

REMEMBER ITS EATING FOR GOOD HEALTH NOT HEALTHY EATING The Challenges REMEMBER ITS EATING FOR GOOD HEALTH NOT HEALTHY EATING

Fact Many Different Routes being taken

A Brief History “When a person is compelled, by the pressure of occupation, to continue his business while sick, it ought to be a rule WITHOUT ANY EXCEPTION WHATEVER, that no one shall bring to them or talk to them while they are taking food, nor go on talking to them on interesting subjects up to the last moment before his meals, nor make an engagement with them immediately after, so that there be any hurry of mind while taking them“ " Nothing shall be done in the ward while patients are having their meals“ Florence Nightingale Patient catering is not about just a food offer, it is about offering a meal offer & experience which fits the patient’s needs and expectations.

The devil is in the detail

BUILDING ON PROTECTED MEALTIMES For many Protected Mealtimes became a sign at the door Mealtimes Matter builds on these principles

“We get it right first time every time” for patients MealTimes Matter – Don’t change Culture Food is The Best Form of Medicine Focusing on Food Dining Companions Ward Routines – working together Clinical Teams Enhancing the Patient Meal Experience Listen “We get it right first time every time” for patients

Making MealTimes Matter - VALUES Manage the environment to allow people to eat in a welcoming, clean and tidy area Ensure a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the meal experience Assist people who require help with eating and drinking Limit non-essential interruptions to focus on providing support at meal times Staff and visitors recognise the importance of meal times as part of basic care

Making MealTimes Matter - Co-ordinator Key responsibilities include: Gathering staff prior to meals to prepare patients and to understand patients’ needs at the mealtime Ensuring patients requiring assistance are identified Ensuring patients receive the required assistance Ensuring patients have a positive mealtime experience Reporting any food quality issues to catering teams Signing off the meal process as completed once patient feedback has been received

MealTimes Matter – Before MealTimes Ensure Patients requiring assistance are identified and supported using local processes, e.g. red trays/mats/white boards Preparation Patients – hand washing, safe eating position Staff – hand washing and appropriate protective clothing Environment – clean and tidy inc Aroma Equipment – use available equipment, e.g. Special needs crockery, remember patients own spectacles if required!

MealTimes Matter – During MealTimes Staffing levels Minimise non-essential interruptions Ensure food and drink is within easy reach Provide assistance where required (open packets, cut up food, pour drinks) Support people to eat and drink where required Family, friends and volunteers may assist if this will encourage food and fluid intake and is safe to do so Provide positive encouragement to increase food and fluid intake Allow sufficient time for food and drink to be enjoyed

MealTimes Matter – After MealTimes Ensure Patients trays are removed Liaise with nurses to identify those patients who have left food Offer hand washing/wipes Environment – clean and tidy inc Aroma Tell them when the next meal and drinks are ASK them what they liked (use positive words not negative words)

MealTimes Matter – Accountability Board level agreement for implementation and rollout The Senior Nurse is responsible for implementing ward aspects of the mealtime bundle The Lead Nurse’s are accountable for ensuring robust processes are in place in each ward The Catering Managers are responsible for adherence to the catering elements of the mealtime plan

Going Home (or not) Support with nutrition and hydration is essential helps prevent re admissions. Where will the discharged patient get support from? Discharge Packs Access to procuring adaptive equipment Crockery Hydration Jugs & Glasses Feedback is important so too is Patient involvement Shaping Menus Volunteers

REMEMBER WE DON’T JUST COOK AND SERVE FOOD WE HELP SAVE LIVES

LEAVE A LEGACY FOR CHANGE AND ACTION

NEVER FORGET THE POWER OF A SMILE WHEN SUPPORTING MEAL TIMES REMEMBER NEVER FORGET THE POWER OF A SMILE WHEN SUPPORTING MEAL TIMES