Galway University Hospitals has this week implemented a Protected Mealtimes policy. This means that during breakfast from 8.15am to 9.15am, lunch from 12.15pm to 1.15pm and tea-time 5.15pm to 6.15pm all non-urgent activities on the ward will stop. This will provide patients with the opportunity to have their meals without unnecessary interruption and facilitate hospital staff to assist, encourage and monitor patients during mealtime to ensure their food intake is appropriate.