According to legend drinking tea started back in 2732BC when Emperor Shen Nung discovered a wild tree had blown leaves into his pot of boiling water. He took a drink and was immediately smitten – he named the brew “ch’a”, the Chinese character meaning to check or investigate.
Whatever the origin of a hot brew, millions of people throughout the world enjoy a daily cuppa, whether it is milky, with sugar or builder strength everyone has a different way of enjoying it.
These differences are the focus of a new campaign created by the Communication team working with their clinical colleagues who have identified that people who are in hospital may not be drinking enough fluids and are leaving their drinks as they are not how they would have them at home – put simply Every Cup Counts.
Every Cup Counts is part of a wider campaign – Every Drop Counts – which is being piloted in Dorset’s acute trusts and care homes to improve hydration amongst inpatients. Resources have been developed by the team to educate people on the benefits of staying hydrated and let them know why it is important.
Along with the physical benefits of getting things right, there is also a social aspect with discussions around how someone likes their drink often kick-starting wider conversations.
For more information on the importance of hydration please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/ or search #NationalTeaDa
