Food & fluid myths in hospital

Food & fluid mythbusters are part of the new Food First campaign

The campaign will focus on the importance food and drink can play in improving a patient’s recovery and how it can potentially lead to quicker discharge from hospital.

Aimed at staff, patients, visitors and family, it highlights the role we can all play in patient recovery.

 Hydration myths  

• Mythbuster card: Drinking fluid is NOT as important as eating food
• SN News article: Tea rounds matter – we’re busting the dehydration myth

 Patient food myths

• Mythbuster card: Only nursing staff can offer patients food and drink
• Mythbuster card: Family members should be excluded during mealtimes
• Mythbuster card: Snacks are not available between meals unless you are at risk of malnutrition
• SN News article: Building appetites back up
• Mythbuster card: Food shouldn’t be brought into hospital
• SN News article: DO bring snacks into hospital
• Mythbuster card: High calorie choices shouldn’t be on our hospital menus as they’re not healthy
• Mythbuster card: It’s ok if overweight people don’t eat in hospital
• SN News article: Every patient needs a nutritious diet when they are in hospital
• Mythbuster card: Food isn’t as good as a supplement drink
• Mythbuster card: People with diabetes can’t eat sugar or sugary foods
• SN News article: Quashing the supplement myth by promoting a Food First approach
• Mythbuster card: Hospitals can’t provide suitable food if you require a special diet

 Food quality & waste myths

• Mythbuster card: The meals for our patients are ready meals that come from Wales
• Mythbuster card: Hospital food is poor quality
• Mythbuster card: Ordering meals for empty beds doesn't cost anything

Additional press articles

• SN News article: New cafe-style menu launched

Additional resources

• Pantry poster
• Mythbuster card print quality files