Nutrition Advocates

NACC and HCA introduce Nutrition Advocates

T

he National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) are promoting the introduction of Nutrition Advocates to help raise awareness of the importance of nutrition, including hydration, in all social and health care settings throughout the UK.

The Nutrition Advocates programme will improve nutrition and hydration care and the eating and feeding practices in the

Karen Oliver

various types of adult social care settings. This will improve people’s ability to access healthy food and fl uids that

meet their nutrition requirements and are appropriate for their stage of life, ultimately preventing malnutrition and dehydration.

Nutrition Advocates will maintain the emphasis on good nutrition on the frontline and oversee the introduction and embedding of best practices. The role of Nutrition Advocate will be taken on voluntarily by a team member with a keen interest in food and nutrition, who is in a position to bring about change in the unit, and can make a time commitment to leading the nutrition project in the workplace. The introduction of Nutrition Advocates supports the aims of the NACC and HCA Nutrition Day 2013 - Wednesday 20 March - to increase awareness amongst health and social care professionals of the fundamental role food plays in any health or social care package, and how, by making positive changes to eating and drinking habits, people can improve their quality of life and prevent malnutrition and dehydration.

Karen Oliver, NACC Chair, explains:

“Low awareness of malnutrition and dehydration amongst service users, carers and care professionals is still widespread. Having a focus for good nutrition in all settings is therefore vital. “The Nutrition Advocates will provide a crucial link in the Nutrition Pathway for any social or health care setting. Many social and health care staff are in a position to help monitor the health of older people so it is imperative that we ensure they have the awareness and tools to provide the care our vulnerable patients and service users deserve.” The NACC and HCA have developed information outlining the role a Nutrition Advocate will play, together with support materials for creating Nutrition Advocates in any workplace. Visit www.thenacc.co.uk to download the information or contact the NACC admin offi ce on 0870 7480 180 / info@thenacc.co.uk

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34 Care Home Management | March/April 2013 Local Govt Other