Enter and view: Queens hospital In patient mealtimes, Havering

In 2016 Healthwatch Havering completed an Enter and View at a local Hospital focusing on In-patient meals and hydration care. The general expectations of meal quality are identified in terms of meeting Patient Needs as defined by the ten NHS England Nutritional Standards. Up to 2000 meals are typically provided daily at any average cost of £10.50 per day. The Meals preparation and delivery is a sub-contracted service to the Hospital. Orders are taken and transmitted electronically.

Monitoring of quality involves a range of Practitioners and Managers, meal times are Protected and staff are regularly trained.

Patients were closely observed on the Wards which included Respiratory and Elderly Care. There were some specific concerns noted such as a lack of fresh vegetables and puddings being served at the same time as the main course. Patient dietary needs were being met but on one of the Wards there was insufficient staff to attend to the feeding of Patients. Some patient’s meal choices were not being achieved and water levels were not topped up. However, Safety positions for digesting food were adhered to. It was noted that staff are aware of unsatisfactory issues arising but the local Healthwatch Service do not make specific recommendations since the Hospital Authorities and Management are aware of the concerns. It is advised however that a volunteer “feeding buddies” system is utilised more intensively. It is also noted that the food ordering process requires improvement and innovative solutions should be sought by the Hospital management.