- 10 Key Characteristics
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10 Key Characteristics
The 10 Key Characteristics from the Council of Europe Resolution on Food and Nutritional Care in Health and Social care settings.
These are being adapted within the framework for action to fit the context within Northern Ireland and form the basis of the principles for our NI Strategic Direction.
Everyone* using Health and Social Care services^ (healthcare and care services) is screened to identify those who are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished.
Everyone using care services has a personal care support plan and where possible has had personal input, to identify their nutritional care and fluid needs and how they are to be met.
The care provider must include specific guidance on food and beverage services and nutritional care in its service delivery and accountability arrangements.
People using care services are involved in the planning and monitoring arrangements for food service and beverage/drinks provision.
An environment conducive to people enjoying their meals and being able to safely consume their food and drinks is maintained (NB this can be known as 'Protected Mealtimes').
All staff/volunteers have the appropriate skills and competencies needed to ensure that the nutritional and fluid needs of people using care services are met. All staff/volunteers receive regular training on nutritional care and management.
Facilities and services are designed to be flexible and centred on the needs of the people using them.
The care-providing organisation has a policy for food services and nutritional care, which is centred on the needs of people using the service. Performance in delivering that care effectively is managed in line with local governance and regulatory frameworks.
Food service and nutritional care is provided safely.
Everyone working in the organisation values the contribution of people using the service and all others in the successful delivery of nutritional care.
(*Everyone-refers to all individuals at the points in the care journey as identified by NICE guidelines)
^Adapted from Council of Europe Alliance UK 10 Key Characteristics for good nutritional care.
^Adapted from Council of Europe Alliance UK 10 Key Characteristics for good nutritional care.
