Mealtime Matters at MMUH

December 4, 2024

We are re-launching Mealtime Matters as we complete our move to MMUH with a renewed focus on our patient mealtimes and a further step to ensuring that we have a ‘whole-hospital approach’ to nutrition and hydration.

Our new mealtimes matters guidelines go further, building on this work to define the roles and responsibilities of ward-based staff at mealtime.

Being prepared: Providing an environment for patients where they can focus on eating and drinking by minimising unexpected interruptions and asking people who are not directly involved in the patient’s mealtime to leave the clinical area until the end of a mealtime.

Identifying: a mealtime co-ordinator to champion the patient mealtime and to prepare the patient area 30 minutes prior to a mealtime. The mealtime co-ordinator should co-ordinate support prior to mealtimes ensuring clear tables. free of clutter and that a bell is rang to alert patient five minutes ahead of mealtimes.

Ward based staff should help to ensure that bed plans are up to date and finalised 30 minutes prior to a mealtime, that patients are sat out of bed, or sat upright prior to a mealtime and have completed necessary hand hygiene in advance of the mealtime.

Offering support: Patients, who need help (as identified through MUST screening) should be supported by staff or a visitor. This may be through practical feeding assistance or simply by offering companionship and encouragement. A red tray intervention should be implemented with the individual having allocated staff member time and support.

After mealtimes: Clear documentation should be completed at the bedside accurately capturing quantities of food and drink consumed. Our patients should be provided information on snacks available and an opportunity to feedback on the mealtime experience and left with drinks within reach.

If you would like any further information, the ‘Mealtimes Matter’ guidelines on poster will soon be appearing on all wards to identify the key steps to delivering a high-quality mealtime within your area.

Be sure to check out this video to find out more.