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Malnutrition amongst older people unaffected after hospital admission
August 4, 2006 10:33 AM
Research undertaken by Sutton's Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, reveals that there were more cases of malnutrition among older patients discharged from hospital than were admitted for the same condition.
During 2004/05, National Health Service Hospitals in England saw 36 admissions of patients aged 75 to 84 years where the main diagnosis was malnutrition. Within the same period, 40 patients aged 75 to 84 were discharged in a state of malnourishment.
Malnutrition remains a problem in England and Wales for older people. According to the latest figures obtained by Paul Burstow from the Office for National Statistics, 208 people aged 65 and above died from malnutrition and the effects of hunger in 2004.
Commenting on the research Paul Burstow said:
"These figures are just the tip of the iceberg. It is worrying that more older people are leaving hospital malnourished then are admitted with malnourishment.
Malnourishment accounts for over 200 deaths in this country each year. More attention must be put to basic care to ensure that those who need help with feeding get it"
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