Enter and view: meal times at Newham University Hospital

Summary

We spoke to patients and their relatives and carers where appropriate. A standardised questionnaire was used to ask patients about their experience and opinions of the food, accessibility and the support receive during their stay. We visited 4 different wards at different meal times. 

Key findings

• Staff were aware of the process around protected meal times but we observed that some patients did not have a meal or had their meal interrupted to liaise with a doctor or have a procedure.
• Very few patients were aware that they could request snacks between meals, fruit and additional drinks. We think this is very important, particularly if patients have missed a meal, because of the time they arrive on the ward or because they have an irregular appetite due to procedures or medication.
• Many patients said the food met their cultural or dietary requirements. However, feedback from 2 patients suggested that there should be more Halal options. 1 patient commented that there is only ever 1 meat and 1 vegetarian option so she sometimes chooses a jacket potato or salad. 
• Very few patients were shown a menu and most chose food that was offered from the trolley once it was on the ward. 
• There were many examples of patients being supported and cared for and assisted to eat and drink. However, there were examples of this not being done.

Since our observations and feedback was consistent across all wards and we provide the following recommendations for all wards: 

• Review and enforce the protected meal time policy, with relevant signs made available for all three main meal times, to ensure patients are not disturbed unnecessarily and a clear notice is on the ward door to say that protected meal-time is currently in place and that this should not be disturbed, apart from when urgent medical care is needed.
• Ensure that all patients are aware that they can order food and drinks between meals, including fruit.
• Ensure there are sufficient options for a good choice of meals that suit patients with different cultural requirements or needs.
• Review the food ordering process to ensure that visual menus are made available, including in different languages and in Braille, on the ward to provide all patients with the available choice selection of meals.
• Review the hand washing procedure to ensure patients are reminded and supported to do so before meals and after meals and ensure wet wipes are made available to less mobile patients.