Hospitals spending the bare minimum on nutrition
Hospitals are spending as little as 86 pence (Dh4.86) on patients' meals, it has emerged
London: Hospitals are spending as little as 86 pence (Dh4.86) on patients' meals, it has emerged.
NHS figures reveal that more than 30 hospital trusts — about one in ten — set aside less than £5 to a pay for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is already widespread concern that hospitals are not doing enough to ensure that the most vulnerable patients — particularly the elderly — do not go hungry or thirsty.
A series of damning reports have exposed how patients on some wards have been allowed to go for hours without food and drink because nursing staff are too busy to help.
In addition, those in hospital frequently complain that the food they are offered is so unappealing that they would rather not touch it — despite the fact that good nutrition is vital for their recovery.
Statistics from the NHS Information Centre show that Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust spends the least on food in England. It allocates only £2.57 a day per patient, which works out as an average of 86 pence for each meal.
The government pointed out that hospitals had increased the amount they spend on food in the last five years, but campaigners warned that the quality of meals is often so dire patients would rather go hungry.
Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: "Sadly, catering is not seen as a priority by the NHS, but it's a false economy. It's vitally important that people in hospital get a balanced diet — otherwise they will have only to stay in hospital longer."
— Daily Mail
