NATIONAL PROTECTED MEALTIMES

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.