SipSup program enhances nutrition care across MUHC adult sites

March marks the start of Nutrition Month, and the McGill University Health Centre is celebrating with the official launch of the SipSup program. This initiative delivers small doses of oral nutritional supplements alongside patients’ medications. The goal is to help improve calorie and protein intake to support patients in meeting their nutritional requirements. 

Tina-Maria Mezzacappa, Manager of Clinical Nutrition Services (adult sites), introduced the program at the February Town Hall. She explains it simply: “Think sips of supplements.” She adds, “SipSup is about making nutrition an integral part of care. Small, consistent interventions, combined with screening, follow-up, and expert oversight, can strengthen patient care, promote recovery, and reinforce the MUHC’s commitment to proactive nutrition therapy.” 

After a pilot project in 2018 and a pause during the pandemic, SipSup regained momentum in 2025. Already successfully implemented at Lachine Hospital, it is now active at the adult sites, including the Glen, and Montreal General Hospital, with a launch at The Neuro planned for the end of March. Malnutrition remains a serious concern in hospitalized patients, especially among the elderly population, and early nutritional interventions can make a meaningful difference. “Almost half of patients who come to us are already malnourished,” explains Tina.  

SipSup’s approach involves delivering small doses of nutrient-dense oral supplements multiple times a day during medication rounds, integrating nutrition into routine care without adding extra steps to daily workflows. 

The program was developed alongside other initiatives to help manage malnutrition including: 

• Screening to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. 
• Standardized approach to malnutrition diagnosis.  
• Documentation and monitoring of patients' nutritional status and care plans. 

“The successful rollout of SipSup was made possible thanks to the dedication of our Clinical Nutrition, Food Services, and Nursing teams, who have actively engaged in making this program available to patients,” says Tina. “Their collaboration ensures that patients receive timely nutritional interventions and consistent care throughout their hospital stay.  

As we celebrate Nutrition Month, let us recognize the unwavering dedication and expertise that drive excellence in nutrition care and support patient well-being.  

Together, let us continue to lead efforts to prevent and address malnutrition, striving for better outcomes for all those we serve.