Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans NHS England has to consult (a) the British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (b) the British Dietetic Association and (c) other organisations on guidance for commissioning nutrition and hydration services in 2018.

The NHS England guidance ‘Commissioning Excellent Nutrition and Hydration (2015-2018)’ supports commissioners to develop strategies and address issues related to improvements in delivery and commissioning of nutrition and hydration needs in acute services and the community. The guidance has been developed in conjunction with key partners including the British Dietetic Association and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. NHS England has no plans to issue any further guidance at this time. Commissioners will be expected to continue to give due regard to the existing guidance, which remains relevant.