A report on meal times at Northwick Park Hospital Summary, Brent

4 visits on 2 wards at 2 different meal times during November 2016 and consisted of 2 phrases: an observation followed by a questionnaire. 140 observations made and 52 patients, carers or relatives completed the questionnaire.

Recommendations:

• Temperature control of food served

• Food contamination when using food probe

• Reinforce the protected mealtime policy and clarity when meals have been completed for clearing up

• Review and enforce the consistency of approach for the Red Tray procedure across all wards

• Ward nurse in charge to actively supervise mealtimes

• Availability of staff to assist (sitting, eating and trolley tables accessible) and to engage with patients using appropriate communication methods

• Hand hygiene before and after eating

• Documenting and monitoring food consumed by all patients consistently

• Improve the range and quality of Asian, vegetarian and Halal food choices

• Clarity serving of toast at breakfast, half portion options, choice of menus and accessible to all

• Trained volunteers to assist at mealtimes.