- Key Characteristic No 1
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Key Characteristic 1
Everyone*
using Health and Social Care Services is screened to identify those who are malnourished or at risk
of becoming malnourished.
Why is this important?
Screening
for risk is the first step in good nutritional care. Through nutritional screening we can identify adults
at low, medium and high risk of malnutrition and provide timely intervention to manage the level of
risk appropriately.
What does good nutritional care look like?
Patients
who need help with eating are being identified on admission to hospitals in NI. At the Ulster Hospital
magnetic symbols on patient status boards identify people at ward level. Whilst in Daisy Hill Hospital
red trays are provided by catering to people who have been identified as needing help at mealtimes.
- Screening for malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition is carried out on people at specific points15.
- People who need assistance with eating are clearly identified.
- People with swallowing difficulties are screened.
- Organisations across NI are building on the implementation and learning from the 'Get your 10 a Day' standards across all health and social care settings including people's own home.
- Systems and guidance are in place for appropriate and timely decisions in relation to the need for enteral or parenteral nutrition.
- People on multiple medications (polypharmacy) will have regular medication reviews.
*
this includes
any contact formal or informal which triggers a comprehensive assessment or its continuation
| 10 a day | Hungry to be Heard 7 steps | Essence of Care |
|---|---|---|
Standard 1 |
Step
4 |
7 |
