SOME of the youngest patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital got hands-on with their food while learning about the importance of nutrition.

As part of last week’s national Nutrition and Hydration Week dietitians and catering staff at the Royal ran a special session for youngsters at the Riverbank children’s ward on Tuesday, March 17.

Children learned easy recipes to try at home while decorating some tasty cakes.

Dietitian Emily Russell said when children are unwell they often have little appetite, but eating and drinking well was important to their recovery.

“Eating only a limited diet or not getting enough food can lead to malnutrition and further complications with their illness,” she said. “Encouraging children to get more involved in what they are eating will help them continue healthy habits in later life.

“A key part of our role is to ensure our patients receive the right nutrients during their stay in hospital, to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.

“This awareness week gives us a great opportunity to speak to patients and their families about their diets and work with them to improve their nutrition and hydration.”

She added staff were also being offered extra training to help them identify patients at risk of poor hydration or malnutrition.

“It is vital that these patients are identified so we are able to provide them the best possible care and support,” she said.

Other events held at the Royal as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week included a Come Dine With Me-style taste testing session in the hospital restaurant.