This week Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs King’s Mill and Mansfield Community hospitals, is participating in Nutrition and Hydration Week 2016, joining other hospitals in a bid to dish up a new world record for serving the most cream teas in one sitting.

The aim is to reinforce awareness on nutrition and hydration as an important part of quality care in health and social care settings. There is evidence that poor nutrition and hydration can harm patients’ health and wellbeing, reduce their ability to recover and even lead to death. Poor and inconsistent practice in nutrition and hydration care can also lead to serious and avoidable harm.

Angela Hill, Nutrition Nurse Specialist for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “The importance of food and drink in the healing process cannot be underestimated. To deliver the highest quality care for our patients requires us to acknowledge and highlight the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration.”

Sherwood Forest Hospital’s team of nutrition nurse specialist dietitians and the trust’s catering provider, Medirest, are organising a series of activities to encourage staff and patients to get involved.

On Monday and Tuesday, there will be information stalls on display for public and staff to visit highlighting the importance of hydration, avoiding malnutrition and warning against excess sugar consumption will be in the King’s Treatment Centre at King’s Mill Hospital.

On Wednesday, Trust staff are invited to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest multi-site Worldwide Afternoon Tea Party in the Deli Marche at King’s Mill Hospital.

On Thursday afternoon, all wards across the three hospitals, King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community, will invite patients to enjoy a cream tea to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration.

For more information about Nutrition and Hydration week 2016, visit www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk