The Patient and Client Council spoke with patients in hospital wards, with carers and with members from the Patient and Client Council Membership Scheme to collect the different views and experiences on food and meal times in care settings in Northern Ireland. 

Patients are generally happy with the quality of food.  However, more care and attention is needed regarding portion size and special dietary needs.  Meal times should be protected and consideration should be given to the use of appropriately trained volunteers at meal times.  Patients and carers want better communication with staff about nutritional requirements.

Louise Skelly, from the Patient and Client Council said

‘There is no doubt nutrition is an important part of patient care.  People have told us that vulnerable patients should be assisted with feeding when required.  There should be adequate staffing available at meal times to ensure patients are given any assistance they need.’

 This report has helped inform ‘Promoting Good Nutrition: A Strategy for good nutritional care for adults in all care settings in Northern Ireland’, which is being launched by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today.