Thursday 15^th October 2009

Continued commitment to high quality nutritional care in Uist and Barra Hospital

A commitment to further protect patients from interruptions during mealtimes has been made by staff at Uist and Barra Hospital, who have extended protected mealtimes.

Focusing on the needs of patients in the hospital, the decision has been taken to extend the time the ward is closed to visitors, to avoid unnecessary and avoidable interruptions and to enable staff to provide patients with support and assistance with meals – placing food first at mealtimes. Visiting times in Uist and Barra Hospital are therefore open, apart from during protected mealtimes

As of November 2 2009, the ward will be closed to visitors for the following periods:

• 8.30am-9am
• 12noon-2pm (extended from current period of 12.30pm-1pm)
• 5.30pm-6pm

Senior Charge Nurse, Uist and Barra Hospital, Margaret Macdonald, explained: “There is a quiet time after lunch between 12noon and 2pm so that patients can rest after lunch. Visitors should check with nursing staff if it is suitable to visit in the morning.

“Providing protected meal times and a rest period emphasises the importance we place on mealtimes and rest as part of the care and treatment provided for our patients. However, each patient will be assessed individually, and if the nurse-in charge believes that it is beneficial for close relatives/friends to visit outside these times, exceptions will be made.”

Relatives or visitors can help by being aware of the following:

• The only people on the ward during mealtimes should be nursing staff and housekeeping.
• We discourage visiting during mealtimes, therefore if you are visiting the ward displaying protected mealtime posters please respect this and try and visit outside mealtimes.
• If you normally visit at mealtimes in order to help or encourage your relative or friend to eat we are happy for you to continue to do this.

• Please ask the nurse in charge how you can help.
• Please avoid telephoning the ward for information during these times so the staff can concentrate on helping patients.
• If you have any questions regarding this policy, please speak to the nurse in charge.