Malnutrition action plan launch delayed
Publication of a Government-led action plan to tackle malnutrition in care homes has been delayed until later this month.
The Department of Health (DoH) led-plan was due to be published today to tie in with National Meals on Wheels Week.
However, a DoH spokeswoman told Caterersearch the plan would not be appearing until later in October, without specifying a reason for the delay.
She added that it would be signed off and sent out to stakeholders including the National Association of Care Catering and the National Care Forum by the end of the month.
The action plan is expected to include a timetable and there may also be limited additional funding available for specific projects.
The Government is also expected to set up a Dignity in Meal Times governance group, which will meet the minister quarterly.
The knock-on effect of malnutrition, such as longer hospital stays and extra treatment, is estimated to cost the UK £7.3b each year. As many as 60,000 of the 441,067 adults in care are believed to be malnourished, according to Liberal Democrat figures.
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By Chris Druce
E-mail your comments to Chris Druce](mailto:chris.druce@rbi.co.uk?subject=Malnutrition action plan delayed) here.
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