The “Good Meal” pilot program was launched at the end of 2023 and aims to improve patient nutrition standards in Polish hospitals. Lower Silesian NFZ has already allocated more than PLN 100 million for this purpose. Thanks to agreements with the National Health Fund, medical facilities receive additional funding for patients’ meals.
In Lower Silesia, 43 hospitals have joined the program, including the Provincial Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill in Bolesławiec.
Proper nutrition is an integral part of the treatment process, contributing to improved overall health and recovery. A well-nourished patient has stronger immunity and regains full strength more quickly. Good nutrition significantly improves the effectiveness of treatment in Polish hospitals.
As part of the program, hospitals are required to provide patients with comprehensive nutritional support, including advice and education on proper nutrition.
A key element is employing a qualified dietitian who prepares menus tailored to patients’ individual needs. The attending physician decides on the type of diet, its duration and any modifications, based on the menu prepared by the dietitian.
The menu contains detailed information about each meal, including its ingredients, energy and nutritional values (protein, carbohydrates and fats), preparation method and the presence of allergens.
Transparency in hospital nutrition is ensured by the requirement for hospitals to publish photos of at least two meals a day, together with references to the corresponding menu items, in accordance with the agreement concluded with the National Health Fund. This allows everyone to see the variety and quality of meals served in hospitals, often enriched with fresh vegetables, fruit, yogurt and fish.
What is on the psychiatric hospital’s menu?
What does the hospital menu contain? The menu is varied and tasty, with no shortage of good meat and vegetarian dishes. The menu includes chicken stew with vegetables, boiled pork loin in its own sauce, mushroom soup with noodles, herring in tartar sauce and a chicken fillet cutlet.
Photos of the meals can be viewed on the psychiatric hospital’s website.