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Hospital food has long been the butt of jokes but many surveyed said quality was good
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Hospital food providers should pay more attention to portion size and special dietary needs, a survey has suggested.
Many are generally happy with the quality of food but meal times should be protected, the NI Patient and Client Council poll indicated.
The survey said the use of trained volunteers at meal times should be considered and existing staff should communicate better with patients.
As well as patients, the survey also sought the opinion of carers.
Louise Skelly from the Patient and Client Council said there was no doubt that nutrition was an important part of patient care.
"People have told us that vulnerable patients should be assisted with feeding when required," she said.
"There should be adequate staffing available at meal times to ensure patients are given any assistance they need."
The survey has informed a new promotion of good nutrition in the health service which is being launched by the Department of Health later on Wednesday.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Hospital food has long been the butt of jokes but many surveyed said quality was good Related Stories
Hospital food providers should pay more attention to portion size and special dietary needs, a survey has suggested.
Many are generally happy with the quality of food but meal times should be protected, the NI Patient and Client Council poll indicated.
The survey said the use of trained volunteers at meal times should be considered and existing staff should communicate better with patients.
As well as patients, the survey also sought the opinion of carers.
Louise Skelly from the Patient and Client Council said there was no doubt that nutrition was an important part of patient care.
"People have told us that vulnerable patients should be assisted with feeding when required," she said.
"There should be adequate staffing available at meal times to ensure patients are given any assistance they need."
The survey has informed a new promotion of good nutrition in the health service which is being launched by the Department of Health later on Wednesday.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
