Professor John Lennard-Jones (1992-1995)

In 1991 a dedicated group of professionals, patients and representatives from industry met together to discuss the way forward for improving the nutritional care of sick patients.

 

There was a common feeling that malnutrition often goes unrecognised in this country because it occurs in the shadow of illness. As a result of this meeting the King's Fund Centre in the UK commissioned and published a report in 1992 entitled A Positive Approach to Nutrition as Treatment.

 

The report was written under the distinguished guidance of Professor John Lennard-Jones and its major conclusion was that there was great therapeutic potential from having a coordinated team approach to nutrition care by well trained professionals. BAPEN was formed later in 1992 on the recommendations of that report.

 

Professor John Lennard-Jones was the founder Chairman from 1992-1995. In summarising his time as Chairman he said, "BAPEN has helped to weld dietitians, doctors, nurses and pharmacists into an integrated and effective organisation dedicated to improved nutritional care. It has given patients an equal voice in setting standards for audit, education and recommendations for practice. It has enabled industry to contribute its expertise and resources in achieving these ends.

 

"The impact of BAPEN on national policy, local organisation and individual practice by health care professionals increases steadily. Our aim is to prevent malnutrition as a result of illness whenever possible, when it occurs to treat it by the most cost-effective regimen, and in doing both greatly improve the outcome of illness for patients."