This information gives advice on how food and drink can help wounds heal and prevent skin problems while you are in hospital.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps your body get the nutrients it needs to heal wounds and prevent prevent pressure ulcers (also known as bed sores). What you eat and drink is important for keeping your skin healthy. If you are not eating well, your skin can be more likely to break down, and wounds may take longer to heal.
You may be at higher risk of skin problems or slow wound healing if you:
- are underweight or are losing weight without trying
- need help from others to eat
- are not getting the right nutrients from your diet
- are living with overweight or obesity
A balanced diet
The “Eatwell Guide” shows how to eat a healthy, balanced diet. It explains the different types of foods we need and how much of each group we should aim to eat.
Eating a balanced diet that gives you enough energy (calories) and protein is very important for wound healing. It helps your body repair itself and keep your skin healthy.
Pink and Blue section
- Contains protein-rich foods which are important for wound healing. Aim to have protein at each meal and include drinks made with milk.
| Beans and Pulses | Nuts | Eggs | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Meat | Meat Alternatives e.g. Soy, tofu, meat-free mince | Cheese, yoghurt or Dairy Free Alternatives | Milk and Soya Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
Green section
- Contains foods rich in vitamins and minerals which are also important for wound healing. Aim to eat 5 portions a day.
| Fruit | Vegetables | Fruit Juice |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
If you’re not feeling hungry and finding it hard to eat, you may need to change the types of foods you’re having. This helps make sure you still get enough energy and nutrients from your food to help your wounds heal.
Hospital Menu
As well as the usual adult menu, there are menus to meet cultural or religious needs and personal preferences. These include Finger Foods, Kosher, African Caribbean and Multicultural menus. We also provide menus for specific medical needs.
Please let your nurse know your food preferences so we can make sure you are offered the most suitable menu for you.
Menu items are coded with the following:
GF – Gluten Free
V – Vegetarian
Vg – Vegan
EC – Easy Chew
– Higher energy:- suitable if you have a small appetite or require foods higher in energy
♥ – Healthier Choices:- lower in fat, salt and sugar
Help with eating and drinking
Special cutlery and crockery are available to make eating easier. Please let your nurse know if you think this would help you.
Friends, carers, and family members are welcome to visit at mealtimes to support and encourage you with eating and drinking. Please speak to your nurse if this would be helpful.
Fluid
If you don’t drink enough, your skin can become dry and more fragile. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to help keep your skin healthy.
Aim to have six to eight drinks (about 1.5 litres each day).
This may include nourishing drinks such as malted milk, fruit juice, hot chocolate or milky coffee.
Poor appetite
If you have a small appetite or need foods high in energy and protein due to your illness, weight loss or surgery, try the following:
- have three meals and two nourishing snacks per day e.g. cheese and biscuits, yoghurt
- choose higher-energy foods, marked with a “ “ symbol on the menu
- include two nourishing drinks each day
- include protein rich foods at every meal and snack e.g. meat, fish, eggs, beans, pulses or dairy foods
- don’t rush your meal and snacks – take your time
- avoid drinking lots of fluid just before your meals as this may reduce your appetite. Drink plenty at other times of the day
- family or friends are welcome to bring in nourishing, long lasting foods from home e.g.. chocolate, crisps, custard pot, cereal bars, crackers, biscuits, bottled drinks etc.
You may be prescribed nutritional supplement drinks from your doctor or dietitian. These are rich in energy (calories), protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Overweight
If you are living with overweight or obesity, losing weight may help reduce your risk of skin damage and pressure ulcers. However, it is important not to cut down your food intake too much while you have a wound or pressure ulcer, as this can slow down healing.
If your appetite is good and you are eating well you could try these simple changes:
- Choose healthier options ♥ on the main menu. These are lower in salt, fat and sugar
- Pick snacks that are lower in fat such as fresh fruit, no added sugar custard, and milk
Diabetes
Keeping your blood glucose (sugar) levels well controlled is important for wound healing. You may need small changes to your diabetes medication and more regular blood glucose checks to help with this.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that are very high in sugar. Instead, choose foods that are higher in protein, such as milk and no added sugar custard. Speak to your doctor, nurse or dietitian for further advice, especially if you take tablets or insulin to manage your blood glucose levels.
Nutrition and hydration top tips
Overall the five most important things you can do to help wound healing and prevent skin breakdown in hospital are:
If you have any questions or concerns about your nutritional status or the information above, please speak to member of the nursing staff.
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