National Protected Mealtimes

EDM number 168 in 2013-14, proposed by Margaret Ritchie on 03/06/2013.
Categorised under the topics of Food, Health services and Patient rights and complaints.

That this House recognises the work of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales; notes the central importance of hospital catering and the provision of hydration and nutrition in patient recovery, as highlighted by the Francis Report; further notes the importance of protected mealtimes that actively promote rest and avoid interruption and are vital in ensuring the speedier recovery of patients' health; and calls for the Government to implement national protected mealtimes across hospitals in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and to ensure that the system becomes mandatory.

This motion has been signed by a total of 17 MPs.