January 2012 - Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals

SWBTB (1/12) 276 (a)
Outcome 05:
Meeting nutritional needs
What the outcome says
This is what people who use services should expect.
People who use services:
* Are supported to have adequate nutrition and hydration.
What we found
Our judgement
The provider is compliant with Outcome 05: Meeting nutritional needs
Our findings
What people who use the service experienced and told us
When we reviewed Sandwell Hospital in March 2011 we had major concerns about this
outcome area. We found that there were insufficient staff available to help people who
were at risk of malnutrition and dehydration to eat or drink. The recording of food and
fluid intake was patchy to the extent it could not be used to determine if people had
eaten and drunk enough to prevent ill health. Our August 2011 review indicated
improvement but we still had minor concerns. People we spoke with were generally
happy about the meals and support they received. However, we found that people who
were at risk of weight loss were not always being supported appropriately to eat and
there were significant gaps in food and fluid intake in records.
During our December 2011visit we asked people about their mealtime experiences and
views on food. Overall, people confirmed that they were happy with the food provided
and told us that they were given choices. Below are a few comments people made;
"The food they give me is plenty. They ask me if I want any supper but I never do. Once
I have had my tea that's enough for me".
"Always food available and a choice of meals".
"The dinner was nice. They are always shoving food and drink down you"
(said positively and jokingly).
Other evidence
Following our March and August 2011 reviews the trust has kept us informed about
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