The Patients Association

Citation

(2012), "The Patients Association", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 42 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2012.01742aaa.006

The Patients Association

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 42, Issue 1

Less than a third of patients have been asked about their diet and weight during a stay in hospital and less than a quarter have been given a choice of what they would like to eat, according to new research. The Patients Association surveyed just over 5,000 members of the public, of whom 1,311 had spent time in hospital during the past year. Asked whether they were questioned about their diet and nutrition during their stay, just 31 percent said yes, despite guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence which states all inpatients should be screened for malnutrition. Of those that said yes, 65 percent discussed their eating habits with a nurse, 11 percent a healthcare assistant and 46 percent a doctor or consultant. Just 14 percent saw a dietician or nutritionist. Only 22 percent had been offered a choice of food or drink during their stay, despite it being a requirement of registration by the Care Quality Commission.