CampaignsCare & HealthcareMore than half of NHS Acute Trusts yet to act on malnutrition of older people More than half of NHS Acute Trusts yet to act on malnutrition of older people
30/04/2008
Age Concern is calling on the Government to make nutrition a key priority for all health and social care providers, ahead of a key debate in Parliament this week.
New evidence from the charity’s Hungry to be Heard campaign reveals that only 45% of all NHS Acute Trusts have taken action to tackle shocking levels of malnutrition among older people on hospital wards.
Last year, the campaign exposed six out of ten older people are at risk of becoming malnourished, or their situation getting worse, while in hospital. Despite recognising the significance of this issue, the charity says that more NHS Acute Trusts must take action to stamp out malnutrition.
An amendment has been tabled to the Health and Social Care Bill that would make good nutritional standards compulsory for all health & social care providers. If the amendment is accepted, it will mark an important milestone in the charity’s campaign.
The proposal would make good nutritional standards enforceable by the new super regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The regulator will monitor the performance of a register of all the health and social care providers in the country.
Patrick South, Head of Public Affairs for Age Concern, said: “Food is one of the most basic human needs, and should be as high a priority for hospital and care staff as administering medication for a patient’s treatment and recovery.
“Although the NHS has made good progress in addressing malnutrition, every ward in every hospital must make a firm commitment to make it a top priority. We want all, not just some, NHS Acute Trusts to act now, before the law forces them to do so.”
In addition, the charity is calling for all hospitals and other care providers to seek out the views and experiences of patients and service users in order to meet the regulations set out by the new watchdog. Only by consulting those affected will the regulator be able to assess whether these providers are performing well.