The aim of the Scottish Urinary Tract Infection Network’s (SUTIN) national hydration campaign is to raise awareness of the wide and varied benefits of being well hydrated. The target audiences are:
- The general public across Scotland, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly
- Staff across health and social care and home care sectors.
The aim of the campaign is to ensure everyone is aware of the signs of poor hydration and the potential consequences.
The problems associated with dehydration are still poorly recognised by not only the public, but also those working in community and health care settings.
Dehydration can be both the cause and the consequence of illness and can have significant impacts on an individual’s health.
The key campaign messages are:
- Good hydration is important for all age groups and is something for everyone to consider
- The effects of dehydration may result in unnecessary treatment e.g. of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and unnecessary admission to healthcare, such as following a fall which results in a fracture
- Secondary E coli bloodstream infections caused by UTI are potentially life threatening, particularly in older people.
Resources
Information resources have been developed to support the hydration campaign. They are available to order from the Public Health Resource Directory or can be downloaded here:
We are adopting a ‘keeping it simple’ approach to Food, Fluid and Nutrition with a focus on making sure that all patients receive the right meals and snacks throughout the day. The Food First campaign is based on the practical implementation of the Food, Fluid and Nutritional Care Standards 2014 and will feature a series of myth busting articles and resources across NHSGGC website, social media platforms and staff news… along with a series of branded supporting materials such as posters/materials for use by staff on wards.
It is important we have the best working arrangements to support Food Fluid and Nutrition across NHSGGC and staff are asked to engage with the campaign to identify improvements and opportunities to help to support the nutrition of patients during their hospital stay.
Have your say… #foodfirstGGC
Food First will focus on making sure that all patients receive the right meals and snacks throughout the day and that simple dietary changes are adopted to help reduce the number of patients who lose weight during their hospital stay.
This will include:
- Highlighting higher calorie meal choices to patients who are nutritionally vulnerable
- Routine use of ward provisions such as bread, cereals, biscuits, milk and drinks out with mealtimes for all patients
- Additional snacks encouraging patients to eat small portions regularly throughout the day when they have a poor appetite
- Regular provision of fresh water and drinks.
Food First aims to increase the number of opportunities that patients have to access food and drinks through regular enquiry and prompting using care rounding; AHP interventions; tea rounds as well as mealtimes.
Everyone has a role to play in keeping our patients hydrated and nourished so we aim to make Food First the easy option for staff, visitors and patients.
