Empowering care home staff with nutrition knowledge: Public Health Dietetics team leads training initiative

Marie Roberts, Specialist Dietitian, and Katie Millward, Assistant Practitioner, from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Public Health Dietetics team have been actively delivering the ‘Food and Nutrition Skills for those Providing Care’ course in care homes across the region. This vital training equips staff with essential knowledge to provide high-quality nutrition for their residents, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

The course is based on the Welsh Government Best Practice Guidance: Care Homes for Older People, reinforcing the importance of balanced nutrition and hydration in maintaining residents’ health.

As part of Nutrition and Hydration Week, the team is highlighting the crucial role care home staff play in supporting residents in achieving a healthy weight whether that means maintaining their current weight or addressing weight concerns.

"It's essential that care home staff feel confident in supporting their residents' health through good nutrition. We're really glad to be able to run these sessions, supporting staff with the knowledge they need and the chance to ask any questions, so they feel fully supported," said Marie Roberts.

A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated staff working tirelessly to make mealtimes healthier and happier across Gwent!