Mouth care matters starts Monday

January 23, 2020

Starting on Monday 27 January a pilot will start on D11, D26, Priory 4 and Newton 4 to improve the oral health of patients.

Mouth care matters is a practice guide seeking to improve the oral health of inpatients. Hospitalisation has been shown to lead to deterioration in oral health. The link between oral health and general health is well established. Poor oral health of a hospitalised patient can result in an increase in hospital acquired infections, namely hospital and ventilator acquired pneumonia, as well as poorer nutrition. This can result in an increase in the length of stay and care costs, alongside poorer quality of life and dignity for patients.

The pilot will evaluate the impact of improved oral care over an eight week period. The evaluation will also provide some useful learning that can be shared across the Trust when implementing the guidance in the future.

Colleagues on the pilot wards will receive training and tools to carry out effective mouth care on patients. They will ensure every patient cleans their teeth/dentures twice a day and will also identify patients with complex needs and take appropriate action.

Julie Thompson, Director of Nursing, Medicine and Emergency Care, explains more in this video: