NHS Borders 

Dietetics Department
Borders General Hospital
MELROSE
TD6 9BS
tel:01896 826450

The Importance of Nutrition in Hospital

Good nutrition is an essential part of your care and it is important that you receive adequate nourishment from your food and drinks. Eating a well nourished diet can mean you get better quicker and are likely to stay in hospital for a shorter time.

What can you do?

If you have a poor appetite or have recently lost weight without trying to, it is particularly important to make food and drink choices that will improve your nutritional intake.

Below are some helpful hints to improve your intake whilst in hospital.

• try to choose menu options marked with ↑ as these are contain more calories and protein
• try to have 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. Choose small portions if your appetite is poor
• try to have whole milk to drink between meals – aim for 3 glasses per day (you can get this from the tea trolley)
• don’t drink too much before a meal as this can fill you up
• spread butter thickly on bread or rolls and have jam or marmalade as well as butter (you can ask nursing staff for these at any time)
• if your appetite is poor, try to avoid ordering only soup – have a small meal instead
• avoid low fat or sugar free food and drink unless you have a medical condition which advises this
• try to have at least one pudding every day
• you can ask for cream to be added to cereal, soups or puddings

Extra snacks can help add nourishment to your diet. Extra snacks are available on the ward so ask ward staff what is available. Items commonly available on the ward are:

• crackers and cheese
• biscuits e.g. rich tea, digestive, bourbon or custard cream
• yoghurt
• custard pot or rice pudding pot
• jelly
• scone, butter, jam
• bread with butter

If your poor appetite continues or you feel you are still losing weight, please speak to your nurse or doctor.

When your appetite improves and your weight is steady, you can return to your normal way of eating.