Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 November 2009. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Thursday, 12 November 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Nutrition: Carers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) information and (b) guidance his Department produces to carers on supporting the nutritional needs of those for whom they care.

Answer: A wide range of information and guidance can also be accessed through the NHS Choices information service, www.nhs.uk, which includes a specific section for carers. 'Carers Direct' provides carers with information that allows them to get the services and support they need, including advice on healthy eating. The site also includes links to interactive tools on healthy eating self-assessments for all lifestyles.The Department has also published the "Nutrition Action Plan: Improving Nutritional Care", on 30 October 2007. This outlines how nutritional care and hydration can be improved and suggests five key priority areas through which managers and staff working in health and social care can address this. The key priorities for action are to:"raise awareness of the link between nutrition and good health;""ensure that accessible guidance is available across all sectors;""encourage nutritional screening for all people using health and social care services;""encourage provision and access to relevant training on the importance of nutrition for good health; and""clarify standards and strengthen inspection and regulation."This information is contained in the "Nutrition Action Plan: Improving Nutritional Care", which has been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 499 c729W; 299098
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-1406
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Care homes Carers Nutrition
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk