Hospital mealtime becomes tray chic (From This is Hampshire)

Hospital mealtime becomes tray chic

11:02am Wednesday 24th October 2007 in

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A DIFFERENT colour of tray is making it easier to identify Basingstoke hospital patients who require extra help or supervision at mealtimes.

The trays are part of a new mealtime procedure. When patients select their menus for the next day, ward staff place a sticker on their forms to identify if they require help with their food.

This could be assistance with cutting it, help with feeding, or recording the amount they have eaten in order to improve nutrition.

Members of the catering team then know to put the food on a red tray rather than a standard grey one.

When the food goes up to the ward, staff are then alerted to the patients who require assistance.

Pat Dominey, the hospital's modern matron for older persons and rehabilitation services, said: "We introduced the trays as it is so much easier to ensure patients who need help, or their intake recording, don't get missed."

Mrs Dominey added that patients have also been pleased with the new system.

She said: "It is a bit more dignified for patients and what can be more positive than saying you have got a red tray to ensure you get some help'?"