Providing nutritious food is an important part of caring for people who are staying in mental health hospital units.

Who doesn’t want food that is tasty, appealing, healthy and nutritious and a menu that offers variety and choice? The Nutrition Standards for Consumers of Inpatient Mental Health Services in NSW are based on nutrition requirements and feedback provided by consumers and staff.

Good food is vital to enjoying life, improving physical health and preventing chronic disease which is a risk for some people with a mental illness. There may be co-existing health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and/or side-effects of medication such as hunger and weight gain.

The Nutrition Standards are here to guide mental health hospital services to plan menus and meals to meet consumer needs and preferences. The food provided is designed to promote health and healthy eating during and after a hospital stay.