Scunthorpe General Hospital pilot scheme refreshing for patients

PATIENTS at Scunthorpe General Hospital are among the first in the country to be given water bottles to improve hydration levels.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is among 50 trusts in the country to be chosen to take part in the national pilot project, run by the Department of Health.

Three wards at Scunthorpe General Hospital are participating in the pilot – 11, 17 and 24 – which are the orthopaedic, diabetes/immunology and cardiac wards.

As part of the scheme – called the Hydrant system – cups will be replaced with water bottles.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

The bottles will be clipped to patient's beds and drinking tubes will be provided so they can take a sip of their drink whenever they want one.

Quality matron Hazel Moore, who leads on nutrition and hydration for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Hydrant system is very similar to the water bottles that sports people use when they're on the move and need easy access to fluids.

"This bottle can be clipped securely to a wheelchair or bed and the tube can be positioned within easy reach of the patient so they can take a sip without having to call a member of staff to help them.

"Good fluid management is essential and we are confident this system will benefit our patients.

"Being unable to reach a drink can be frustrating and can also lead to dehydration, which can be very serious.

"Proper hydration reduces the chance of infection and other illnesses developing and speeds up recovery."

The bottles can hold one litre of fluid and the drinking tube has a bite valve and a small clip to attach the tube to clothing if required.

The water bottle is hung from the side of the bed, chair or wheelchair.

The trust will monitor the system and collect data from patients and staff.

This will then be fed back to the Department of Health.

At the end of the pilot, the trust will decide whether or not to roll out the Hydrant system to other wards across its three hospitals.

Jane Ward, 59, is a patient on ward 24. She said: "It is the best thing since sliced bread and has made my stay in hospital a lot easier.

"I was a bit dubious when it was introduced but think it is fantastic now.

"Before I had to ring my bell if I wanted a drink which I felt embarrassed to do as the nurses are so busy.

"Now I can have a drink when I want.

"It is only a small thing but has helped to give me some independence back."