Dietitians and Speech and Language Therapists at the Trust have been raising awareness of their work as part of national Nutrition and Hydration Week (11th to 17th March) and Swallowing Awareness Day (13th March).
The focus of Nutrition and Hydration Week was to raise awareness and improve understanding of the importance of good nutrition and hydration, while Swallowing Awareness Day aimed to raise awareness of people who have eating and drinking difficulties.
Director of Nursing Vikki Carruth with Sister
Events during the week included an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party where texture modified foods and thickened fluids were served and the relaunch of the red tray and jug scheme which is used within the hospitals to identify patients who need additional support with eating and drinking or need the consistency of their food and drink modified.
Other activities during the week included displays at both Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH and a crossword competition.
Dr Mark Whitehead, Chair of the Trust’s Nutrition and Hydration Steering Group, said: “We hope that this week’s activities have raised awareness and helped to improve staff knowledge and skills in nutritional care and management so as to improve and provide good and effective patient nutritional care.”