Starving amidst plenty

Article Abstract:

A canned nutritional supplement and common-sense monitoring of patients by nurses could save the UK health authority 266 millions pounds sterling a year and reduce waiting lists, says the King's Fund Centre. About 500,000 patients could have their hospital stay substantially reduced by drinking the supplement. Signs of under-nourishment are often missed by nurses and doctors who are untrained to detect them. Nurses could be responsible for a ward's nutritional care in a 'link' system supported by a nutrition team involving a dietitian, nurse, pharmacist, doctor and possibly the catering manager. The team approach has been successfully tried at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children. Success is dependent upon a change in nurses' attitude.

Health aspects, Prevention, Food and nutrition, Patients, Nurse and patient, Nurse-patient relations, Malnutrition

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First for families

Article Abstract:

Queen's Medical centre, Nottingham, England is renowned for family-centred care. Child-orientated services include separate accident and emergency facilities and 24 hour visiting. Children's wards are designed to minimise anxiety. Nurses wear bright aprons instead of uniforms.The centre provides accommodation for parents and encourages participation in care. Paediatric nurse manager, Liz Fradd considers nurse-led innovations have contributed to the hospital's status as a centre of excellence.

Care and treatment, Hospitals, Sick children, Portrayals

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Quality care

Article Abstract:

A report from the University of York maintains that optimum care is provided by the most highly qualified nurses. Researchers have established a relationship between grade level and care quality using the Qualpacs rating system. They recommend employment of qualified staff and warn that previous reports endorsing skill mixing may be unscientific. The Royal College of Nursing and trade unions consider skill mixing a cost-cutting initiative and welcome the report.

Standards, Reports, Nurses, Nursing, York University

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