Healthy Eating On The Menu For Patients, UK

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 26 Feb 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Patient nutrition and wellbeing is the focus for a new volunteer scheme at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

The potential benefits for patients enjoying a healthy diet on the wards are well-documented - quicker recovery and a shorter stay. Elderly patients require the most help with nutrition - many come into hospital malnourished - which has prompted the introduction of the Addenbrooke's Mealtime Volunteer Scheme. Members of the public work alongside nutrition assistants to help patients eat and to provide some company.

Suzanne Rigby-Jones, Voluntary Services Manager, said: "Since September we have had 16 enthusiastic volunteers of different ages and backgrounds who have been working hard to help improve patient nutrition and wellbeing. They make a huge difference by chatting to patients, spending time with patients who need assistance to eat and offer an extra pair of hands to staff at a busy time of day."

Volunteers, who also include staff and governors, are given full training before helping on the wards.

Patient Francis Conning, from Saffron Walden, is full of praise for them. Mr Conning, 83, said: "They are very helpful - I couldn't manage without them because I have difficulty moving my arms. I think it's marvellous that people volunteer to do work like this."

The work has also proved rewarding for the volunteers. Michael Barnes, among those to sign up for the scheme, said: "Volunteering in this role always feels like time well spent, and is always clearly appreciated."

A drop-in session takes place in the hospital's boardroom on Friday 27 February from 12.30pm to 1.30pm where there will be an opportunity to speak to dietitians and existing volunteers. Dr Mary Archer, Chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will also be present to meet potential volunteers.

Addenbrooke's Hospital