In recognition of the growing momentum behind the food and nutritional care agenda, the BDA and the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) have struck up a new, closer working relationship. Under the auspices of the BDA's Professional Development Committee, terms of reference for a new UK-wide collaboration are being agreed. This new venture will bring together learning and experience in catering and dietetics from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the shared vision of improving nutritional care by developing food services.

A key driver for this development is the adoption by the Committee of Health Ministers at the Council of Europe (CoE) of a resolution containing the recommendations of the CoE’s report “Food and Nutritional Care in Hospitals: How to prevent undernutrition”. The recommendations are far reaching and provide a framework for the development of nutritional care in hospitals.

Click here to download the adopted resolution

One of the recommendations in the resolution is that patients be allowed to enjoy their meals without unnecessary interruption. Protected Mealtimes will be a major theme in food service this year.