PATIENTS on a ward at Fairfield Hospital are to be given the silent treatment, so they can eat their meals in peace and quiet.

Ward 12 is taking part in a national scheme to ensure patients have all the time they need to enjoy their food.

This includes minimising disruption on the ward during meal times with non-essential work being stopped and visitors being asked to give their relatives and friends time to savour, rather than rush, their food.

The initiative was recommended by the Hospital Caterers' Association Protected Mealtimes Day earlier this month.

Pete Stansfield, head of catering services for the Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust, which is responsible for the Rochdale Old Road complex, said: "As far back as 1859, Florence Nightingale was saying 'Nothing shall be done in the ward while the patients are having their meals'.

"We are very proud of the standards of food for patients in our hospitals, and we want to make sure they have peace and quiet to enjoy them. We'll be asking medical staff to minimise their activity, and for visitors to give their relatives a little time to enjoy their meal.

"Naturally, if any patients need assistance from either relatives or staff to eat their meals then they'll be catered for."

He added: "Research is showing that giving patients this time brings a wide range of benefits, including helping them get the full benefit from their meals and cutting waste. People also enjoy their meals more if they have a chance to eat them undisturbed."

A report by the Royal College of Physicians stated that doctors could help patients by ensuring that, as far as possible, the service and consumption of meals was not interrupted by ward rounds or routine tasks.