An independent watchdog has called for more care homes to put the needs of their residents first at mealtimes.

The Brighton and Hove Local Involvement Network (Link) contacted almost 100 homes across the city as part of a study in standards of nutrition and hydration.

The results showed a mixed performance, with researchers highlighting concerns about services in some homes while finding many examples of good practice in others.

Copies of the report, called Potatoes at 12 O Clock, are now being sent to all care homes in Brighton and Hove.

At one of the homes visited by Link observers, the tables were too low for residents in wheelchairs to easily reach their food.

Most of the homes visited didn't monitor the fluid intake of their residents on a regular basis and some didn't provide facilities for residents to make their own drinks should they want to.

The watchdog said it was also surprising that none of the homes visited offered adapted cutlery or other aids to eating to their residents.

Link manager Claire Stevens said: “Under-nutrition and dehydration is often unrecognised and untreated in care homes.

“Our study has shown that whilst many staff may be trained in nutrition and hydration standards, not all are sufficiently monitoring their residents or implementing practical steps to avoid it happening.

“We recommend that every care home has a nutrition champion to encourage good practice.”

Malnourished patients stay in hospital longer, are three times as likely to develop complications during surgery and have a higher death rate.

Link says it will continue to monitor performance.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: “Care homes are registered with the national regulator Care Quality Commission which monitors compliance in relation to the essential standards of care. This includes meeting nutritional needs.

“In addition we also monitor all care homes with whom we have contracts as well as individuals who are placed in a care home through public funding.

“We will take full account of the report to support improvement in this aspect of care and welcome the Link's involvement in this area.”