The Food First Team supports care homes for older people in Luton and South Bedfordshire. The enhanced service aims to support early intervention nutritional care to a population that can be at risk of malnutrition.  The team deliver a unique rolling training, audit and accreditation programme to support care homes deliver nutritional care in line with CQC regulations and NICE Quality Standard 24. More recently the team have been involved in monthly Virtual Multi-Disciplinary meetings as part of the enhanced health in care homes framework  and have had a greater role in palliative care planning and supporting the development of advanced care plans. 

How and when to refer?

We accept referrals from care homes for older people in Luton and South Bedfordshire.

Care home staff in Luton and South Bedfordshire can refer directly into the service by completing the Food First referral form. To request a copy, please email food.first@nhs.net.

Please note incomplete referral forms will not be accepted. All referrals must also include a 3 day food and fluid chart.

West Mid-Bedfordshire

A training and audit programme is provided to care homes in West-Mid Bedfordshire. The clinical dietetic service is provided by Bedford Hospital and any referrals should be directed to them:

Nutrition & Dietetics, Bedford Hospital: 01234 792171 or dietetics@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk