21 January 2015

Two new laws came into force on 27 November 2014 with the aim of providing greater openness, accountability and a new focus for improved patient safety and care within the NHS in England. The new rules have been dubbed the “duty of candour”.

Among other things, the legislation makes failing to meet the nutritional needs of patients, including circumstances where a patient requires a specific diet (such as allergies and food intolerances) a criminal offence. Patients must be provided with nutritious food and hydration, which is “adequate to sustain life and good health” and staff must know how to determine whether specialist nutritional advice is required.

For more information about these laws, please visit the Care Quality Commission website.