NATIONAL PROTECTED MEALTIMES

Early day motion 168, tabled 3 June 2013 by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 17 members.

That this House recognises the work of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales; notes the central importance of hospital catering and the provision of hydration and nutrition in patient recovery, as highlighted by the Francis Report; further notes the importance of protected mealtimes that actively promote rest and avoid interruption and are vital in ensuring the speedier recovery of patients' health; and calls for the Government to implement national protected mealtimes across hospitals in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and to ensure that the system becomes mandatory.

Signatures by party: Labour 7, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.