Care home manual launch

The National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) has called for its new care home catering manual to be adopted as a UK‑wide benchmark.

Speaking at the launch of the guidebook at the House of Commons last week, Sue Ullmann, NACC deputy chair for the North of England, said: "We are hoping that this manual will be the basis for a national accredited training scheme in the future."

The 168-page manual covers eating difficulties, malnutrition, special diets and menu suggestions. Last October NACC vice-chair Derek Johnson said it should be cross-referenced with Food Standards Agency guidelines and last month's report into care home standards by the Government's Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Lib Dem MP and care home campaigner Paul Burstow said at the launch: "This guide should become the norm of practice across the country. Good nutrition in care homes can no longer be a lottery."

By Tom Bill

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