Hospital patients across Herefordshire joined a Global Tea Party celebrations as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week 2019.

Afternoon tea and cakes were served at Hereford County Hospital and Ross, Bromyard and Leominster Community Hospitals.

The idea was to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition and hydration when recovering from an illness or injury.

Laura Skyrme, dietetic assistant at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to take part in this event and bring patients together to enjoy afternoon tea while also learning about the importance of eating well and drinking enough when in hospital and when patients return home.

“Drinking fluid and keeping hydrated can also help medicines work more effectively, and for elderly people it can reduce the number of falls and related illnesses and accidents.

“We advise patients that the body needs the proper nutrients to grow, heal and repair itself, which includes eating starchy foods, some milk and dairy foods, foods high in protein, and fruit and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet, but it’s okay to have the occasional treat, such as cakes, with a hydrating cup of tea.”

Tim Egleton, Sodexo operations manager for catering and retail at Hereford County Hospital, added: “We’re very pleased to support the afternoon tea event for the fifth year running by providing cake and refreshments for our patients.

“It is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of patients enjoying a well-balanced choice of foods and staying hydrated before they come into hospital, during their stay, and when they return home”.

To find out more about eating well visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well