MORE than 500 patients, family members and visitors to hospitals in Worcestershire have been given some expert advice on staying hydrated in the warm weather.

As part of the new Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy campaign run by a collaboration of health bodies in the county along with the County Council a number of information stands were held in hospital receptions throughout Worcestershire.

Amanda Moore, matron at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, described the campaign as “a great idea”.

“I thought the stands were eye-catching and informative and I’ve had a number of comments from patients saying how useful and thought provoking the information stands were,” she said.

As part of the campaign people in the county are being encouraged not only to drink more fresh water but also to eat more fresh fruit.

Infection prevention nurse for the three Clinical Commissioning Groups in Worcestershire Josie Mchale-Owen said: “There are plenty of things people can do to stay hydrated and it doesn’t have to be just drinking plain water.

“Try adding lemon, lime, strawberry or even basil to your water to give it some extra flavour.

“Eating more fruit and vegetables is a great way of staying hydrated. For example a cucumber is 96 per cent water.

“Also, always remember to drink more when the weather is hot.

“There are a number of health benefits that can come from staying hydrated, including assisting in preventing a number of conditions like heart disease, diabetes and low blood pressure.”

For more information visit www.southworcsccg.nhs.uk/news/swccg-campaigns/stay-hydrated-stay-healthy.