OXFORD hospital bosses claim patients are now getting what they need after a damning report revealed basic nutrition standards were not being met.

Earlier this year health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) released details of its inspection of the John Radcliffe Hospital.

It assessed the hospital on how older people are treated during their stay.

The report found “systems were not in place for recording different aspects of nutritional care such as patients’ dietary and fluid intake”.

It also found the ‘red tray’ system, which gives help to people unable to feed themselves, was not working.

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospital (ORH) NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, was told to improve its food – in particular its ‘moist’ menu for patients who struggle to eat solids – and the way it was served.

The trust said it had since implemented a number of changes, including ‘protected mealtimes’ so patients are not disturbed for routine checks, and better support from staff to assist patients during mealtimes.

A food and drink chart records what patients eat and drink during each day to alert staff to those not managing.

New ‘soft moist’ meals have been approved by nutritionists and lighter and easier to handle drinking cups were introduced on the acute stroke ward.

Jacquie Pearce Gervis, of patient group Patient Voice, said: “We are encouraged by these changes. It is something we will continue to monitor.”

Clare Culpin, deputy chief nurse, said: “Our main concern is all patients getting the care that they need.

“We’ve set up internal spot-checks by senior clinicians and managers.

“Improvements have been made on the acute stroke ward and patients are receiving support they need.”