Response to Dispatches programme on hospital catering

In response to Dispatches programme on hospital catering: Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'The programme highlights the hugely distressing problem of under-nutrition and dehydration suffered by so many older people in our hospitals. Age UK has been campaigning on this issue for the past four years through its Hungry to be Heard campaign, but despite the hard work of many NHS Trusts, many older people continue to experience sub-standard nutritional care and support. Age UK is now calling for a Commission on Nutrition to bring renewed focus to this issue and to develop a comprehensive strategy for change, both in hospitals and the community. It is unacceptable that patients are not receiving this basic level of care.'

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Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Ashley Cox
Tel: 020 8765 7513
Out of hours: 07071 243 243