8.3 Protected Mealtimes
Did you know that 45% of patients admitted to a hospital in Canada have a clinical diagnosis of malnutrition? (Canadian Malnutrition Task Force, 2016)
Protected mealtimes are times over lunch and dinner when all non-urgent clinical activity stops, ensuring that the patient can consume their meal in peace. This includes the restriction of visitors during mealtimes.
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Protected Mealtimes
8-9am, 12:30-1:30pm, 6-7pm
- Dedicated mealtimes ensure a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for patients
- Non-urgent activities paused as our staff prioritise assisting patients with eating
- Visitors can stay during mealtimes to provide assistance or support
- Please hold any questions for staff until after the mealtime
Watch: Protected Meal Times – Part 1
Video: “Protected Mealtimes – part 1” by NHSNPSA [6:10] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
The results of protected mealtimes have been an increase in patient food intake and a decrease in malnutrition.
Did you know that a malnourished patient is three times more likely to suffer a complication from surgery and five times more likely to die than a nourished patient? (Wischmeyer, 2018)
