Summary
It is estimated that one-third of patients admitted to hospitals or living in care homes are malnourished (or at risk of malnourishment). Malnutrition affects more than three million people in the UK, and has remained an ongoing concern in the health service despite years of counter-measures against malnutrition and dehydration such as are evident in the “Hard Truths” and Francis Inquiry reports and in the persistent reports of concern from patient representatives groups, carers and the public.
NHS England has produced new guidance to ensure patients receive a higher standard of care to improve nutrition and hydration.
Reference
New guidance to raise awareness of the importance of good nutritional care. London: NHS England, October 8th 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
Guidance: Commissioning Excellent Nutrition and Hydration 2015 – 2018. Leeds: NHS England, October 6th 2015.
Related background information on commissioning approaches and some contact details for commissioners:
Reference
Commissioning excellent nutrition and hydration. London: NHS England, 2015.