NACC launches best practice guide for care sector workers
The National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) has launched How to Comply with CQC's Outcome 5: Meeting Nutritional Needs, a best-practice guide for people working in the care sector.
Produced in collaboration with the English Community Care Association (ECCA), the document is a major step forward in the NACC's efforts to improve professional standards to eradicate malnutrition and dehydration in both residential and social care, and uphold the dignity of care service users across the UK.
The publication, launched last week in Harrogate, aims to enable both public and private sector care providers of all sizes to comply fully with the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, which focuses on meeting nutritional needs and respecting dignity.
The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Les Ellington (pictured), gave his official backing to the document at its launch at Harrogate Neighbours Greenfield Court Housing Scheme with Extra and Domiciliary Care.
He said: "Harrogate Neighbours has brought me on a journey during my year of office. I have learnt so much about the care sector and the importance of nutrition and hydration, and the NACC's new document will help support staff.
"I have also had first-hand experience this week at the NACC Care Cook competition. I sampled how delicious meals are in care homes and the good practice that is going on in our region."
Karen Oliver, NACC chair, added: "Complying with Outcome 5 is a must as it significantly reduces the risk of poor nutrition and hydration in all care provision, and also ensures that the dignity of service users is respected.
"It is therefore imperative that all care providers receive as much support and information as possible to ensure they meet all the standards set out by the Care Quality Commission and guarantee the nutritional health and well-being of the people entrusted to their care.
"Our definitive toolkit does just that. It breaks down the barriers and makes compliance less daunting and completely achievable. It gives providers the right knowledge and tools to meet the standards without having to reinvent the wheel."
A simultaneous launch event was held for care providers in the south of the country at the Sanctuary Care's new Yarnton Residential & Nursing Home, in Yarnton, Oxfordshire.
For more information and to purchase a copy of How to Comply with CQC's Outcome 5: Meeting Nutritional Needs visit www.thenacc.co.uk.
One in seven care home residents aren't given enough to eat and drink >>
NACC National Training & Development Forum 2011 >>
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
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