Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department expects to publish new national hydration and nutrition guidance, further to the review conducted by NHS England’s Nursing Directorate; and if he will publish the findings of that review.

NHS England has undertaken a comprehensive review and refresh of the Commissioning Excellent Nutrition and Hydration 2015–2018 guidance to ensure that it reflects current evidence base, national food standards, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, regulatory requirements, evidence based best practice, current research, and system structures.

This work was overseen by a National Nutrition and Hydration Advisory Board representative of key stakeholders and relevant experts.

This work included an in-depth engagement phase with patient groups, patient representatives, National Health Service and social care organisations, professional networks, voluntary and community sector organisations, other key organisations, and researchers to share work on the policy development to date and to seek their views. Feedback received from the engagement phase was analysed, themes and key findings shared with the National Hydration and Nutrition Advisory Board members, and where relevant and appropriate, incorporated into the final version of the policy.

The National Hydration and Nutrition Advisory Board reviewed and endorsed the updated policy at their November 2025 meeting. It will be published in due course.