Campaigns & issues

We are calling for every ward in every hospital to implement our seven recommended steps:

Step 1: Listening to older people, their relatives and carers

Older people must be consulted about hospital menus, their meal requirements and preferences, and hospitals must respond to what they are told.

Step 2: All ward staff must become 'food aware'

Ward staff need to take responsibility for the food needs of older people in hospital.

Step 3: Hospital staff must follow professional codes

Hospital staff must follow their own professional codes and guidance from other bodies.

Step 4: Assessing signs of malnourishment

As 40% of older people are malnourished on admission to hospital, all patients should be weighed and their height measured on admission.

Step 5: Introduce 'protected mealtimes'

Introduce protected mealtimes to ensure older patients are given appropriate assistance to eat meals when needed and sufficient time to eat their meals.

Step 6: Implement a 'red tray' system

Older people who need help with eating should be identified on admission and their meal placed on a red tray to signal the need for help.

Step 7: Use volunteers where appropriate

Where appropriate, hospital should use trained volunteers to provide additional help and support at mealtimes.

Contact us

htbh@ace.org.uk