National Standards for Food and Drink in Healthcare

Almost all healthcare issues can be paired with good nutrition to build a healthcare plan. Every healthcare facility is responsible for providing a quality standard of nutritional care. These national standards for food and drink in healthcare can be from meals in care homes and hospitals to residential homes and more.

It is important that all healthcare organisations see the intrinsic value in the view of ‘food as medicine’ and that it remains a standing item on the board agenda. Senior NHS leaders must be held accountable for the standard and quality of food served in their organisation, and patient and staff nutrition must be prioritised.

The value of good nutritional care

Many healthcare organisations already provide high-quality food and drink to their patients, staff, and visitors, but the variation across the country is still too significant. The Food Leadership team has recognised that things need to improve. The publication of the standards is an important step in that journey.

The standards

There are eight National standards for food and drink in healthcare

Organisations must have a designated board director responsible for food (nutrition and safety). They must report on compliance with the healthcare food and drink standards at the board level as a standing agenda item.

• There must be a nutritional strategy in place for food and drink.
• Institutions must consider advice from dieticians and nutritionists.
• A food safety specialist is to be implemented.
• Institutions must invest in staff training to a high calibre in terms of nutritional services.
• Organisations must demonstrate that they have an established training matrix and a learning and development
• programme for all staff involved in healthcare food and drink services.
• Food waste is actively managed and monitored to reduce waste.
• NHS organisations to demonstrate that they have suitable 24/7 food service provision, appropriate for their demographic.

Prevention of Malnutrition in Patients

Around a quarter of all patients are malnourished. It is common among cancer patients and children. Often being under-recognised and underrated. As a result, national standards for food and drink in healthcare will be established and met.

As a result, the signs of malnutrition can be easy to miss, particularly in busy environments. Therefore, healthcare facilities should regularly raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration.

Medical treatment and a decent quality of nutritional care have always gone hand in hand. By creating a high standard of treatment for the majority of healthcare providers, fewer people will be negatively affected. And can be the difference between battling and beating disease and illness and ultimately, death.

What are your thoughts on the nutritional standards of healthcare? Want to find a new role in the catering sector of healthcare? Contact our team for more information.