Seven steps to end malnutrition in hospital

Step 1
Listen to us

We must be consulted about hospital menus‚ our meal requirements and our preferences‚ and hospital staff must respond to what we tell them.

Step 2
All ward staff must become 'food aware'

Ward staff need to take responsibility for our food needs in hospital.

Step 3
Hospital staff must follow professional codes

Hospital staff must follow their own professional codes and guidance from other bodies.

Step 4
Assess us for malnourishment

As many of us are malnourished on admission to hospital‚ we should all be weighed and our height measured on admission.

Step 5
Introduce protected mealtimes

Protected mealtimes will ensure we are given appropriate assistance to eat meals when needed and sufficient time to eat our meals.

Step 6
Use a red tray system

Those of us who need help with eating should be identified on admission and our meal placed on a red tray to signal the need for help.

Step 7
Use mealtime volunteers

Where appropriate‚ hospital should use trained volunteers to provide additional help and support to us at mealtimes.