Department of Health

Nutrition and hydration and discharge planning

Nutrition and hydration are always important and treatment is often ongoing. We can help patients make a smooth transition from the hospital to their home or care facility.

Educate patients and carers

  • Provide nutrition and hydration advice and print out information that people can take with them.
  • Remind patients and their family and carers that regular and healthy eating and drinking is important if they are to stay healthy and independent.
  • Stress the importance of eating a variety of foods. Tell patients to select fresh, healthy options across all food groups and include protein with each meal.
  • If the patient needs to take supplements, make sure they know when and how much to take, where they can buy them and if they can afford them.
  • Tell the family and carers how to position the patient to help them digest food and techniques for encouraging people to eat and drink.
  • Make sure the patient understands how their medicines may impact on nutrition and vice versa.

Refer to health professionals and support services

  • Inform the patient’s GP about treatment goals and any referral that have been made to other health professionals.
  • Tell the patient and their family and carers how they can access a community or hospital based dietitian.
  • Inform existing services about strategies to help the patient optimise their nutrition.
  • Discuss services such as Meals on Wheels, transport and shopping services.
  • Discuss social supports to keep the patient socially connected, such as lunch clubs or Casserole Club.

Practise person-centred care

  • Encourage patients to ask questions or raise concerns about their recovery.
  • Tailor plans to the individual patient, as discharge planning is not a 'one size fits all' approach.

Reviewed 05 October 2015

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