We work in conjunction with Hospital Consultants and local GP’s to ensure that patient’s nutritional issues are managed appropriately and effectively.

On the wards we use a nutrition screening tool to identify patients who are at risk of malnutrition, to ensure that they are offered support as soon as possible. Your nurse will weigh you and measure your height in order to calculate a MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) or STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics) score, if you are in hospital for more than 24hrs. This score will then help us to help you get the best nutrition, to aid your recovery.

You will be offered three meals per day and regular drinks. There is a choice of hot and cold foods and if you require more details regarding meals please visit our patient meal service webpage. If however, the food does not meet your needs please let your nurse know so we can arrange alternative meals.

This initiative on all wards has been developed to provide patients with a quiet time to eat their meals without interruptions. The ward rounds and acute clinical care will continue but with consideration for patient’s needs. If you have any queries about catering provision at Darent Valley Hospital as an outpatient or a visitor please contact the Catering Department on 01322  428835  or the Nutrition and Dietetic Department on 01322 428439.