Oxford Radcliffe falls short on nutrition standard

The regulator’s dignity and nutrition in older people review of Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, based on an inspection in May, was published today.

Although food choice was adequate, with dietary and cultural requirements catered for, there were mixed comments on the quality of food.

However the hospital lacked fundamental systems for recording different aspects of nutritional care, such as food and fluid intake. Malnutrition assessments were not conducted for all relevant patients, and systems to ensure patients were supported to eat and drink were not working effectively on the wards inspected.

Support to eat and drink was not always provided in an appropriate or timely way, and a policy on protected mealtimes, was not fully implemented on the wards the CQC visited.

The CQC also said there was “variable” information on care provided, with some patients given leaflets, while others received no information but “worked it out with their relatives”.

Overall, the report said the trust was meeting a standard to treat patients with respect, and involve them in discussions about their care and treatment, but suggested improvements were made.

The trust has been told to report back to the CQC within ten days, setting out how it would continue to comply with the standard and improve performance on nutrition.