Patient Protected Meal Times

From Monday 18th July 2005 surgical wards at the NNUH will be phasing in patient “Protected Meal Times”. This is so that patients can have an environment which is relaxing and will encourage and support them to eat well during their period of illness.  This in turn will help to facilitate a good recovery. 

For a specified time which will be a period of 1 hour no one including all visitors should be on the ward, other than the ward nursing and catering staff unless for urgent or emergency situations.  For those patients who are nil by mouth or are unable to eat for whatever reason, they will also have the opportunity to have some quality time away from interruptions.

The first phase will include the following wards Denton, Earsham and Gateley wards, and the times involved are as follows: Earsham Ward 12.00pm – 1.00pm, Denton Ward 12.30pm – 1.30pm and Gateley 1.00pm – 2.00pm. 

Elaine Freeman, Modern Matron for Surgery at the NNUH said  “Mealtimes are seen as an important part of patient care and treatment, where they can enjoy the social as well as nutritional benefits of eating in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere”, therefore we would ask that all visitors to these wards not to visit at these special times”. 

The second phase will commence 1st August and involve Dilham, Easton and Gissing wards, the third phase week commencing 15th August involving Coltishall, Edgefield and Guist and the final phase will be implemented onto Cringleford ward on 5th September.

Wednesday 13th of July 2005 11:00:33 AM