Moves were made yesterday to ensure that the nutritional requirements of older people in hospitals and care homes are met.

The Nutrition Action Plan published by health minister Ivan Lewis also intends to tackle issues regarding malnutrition.

Mr Lewis commented that there are too many reports of poor food quality and insufficient help with eating and drinking for older people and that every care home and hospital should be aware of their obligation to provide a choice of good meals and help with eating if needed.

"Today's action plan is unprecedented and makes it clear that nutrition is about dignity but also central to older people's good health and ability to recover from illness," he added.

Priorities for health and social care organisations outlined in the plan include clarification of standards and strengthening of regulation, increasing awareness of the link between nutrition and good health and provision of training on the importance of nutrition to staff.

In recent days, Mr Lewis also urged older people to prepare for winter and the health risks associated with colder weather.