Hospital food 

Scenario: You are witnessing one of your colleagues is taking and consuming food meant for patients under your care in the ward you are working.

  • Recognises that taking or consuming NHS or hospital property is prohibited and constitutes theft.
  • Acknowledges their professional duty to report their colleague’s dishonest behaviour to their senior manager, which may result in notification to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Failure to report concerns may bring their own fitness to practise into question and may place their own registration at risk, reflecting the duty of candour.
  • Attempts to locate a replacement meal that the patient is happy with. If this is not possible, considers that it may compromise good nutritional care.
  • Raises concern with the senior manager at the earliest opportunity, verbally or in writing. Recognises the need to be clear, honest and objective about the reasons for concern.
  • Recognises that they may be asked by a senior manager to record a witness statement, documenting what was seen and what steps were taken to deal with the matter, including to whom the incident was reported. The witness statement must be signed and dated.
  • Acknowledges the need to keep to and uphold the standards and values set out in ‘The Code’: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust.