Over 2,000 adults die from illnesses related to poor nutrition in hospitals

29th November 2010, 10:23am

Over 2,300 adults are dying from illnesses related to poor nutrition in hospitals alone, according to latest figures.

However Rick Wilson, director of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kings College Hospital, believes this figure doesn't take into account the full scale of the problem: "Most people think that this figure underestimates the problem as it is not usually the case that Death Certificates are completed thoroughly." 

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) believes this figure must be bought to the attention of the Coalition as a lack of proper nutrition is badly affecting the health of older people.  

Only this week a coroner in North West Wales raised concern at the "number of pensioners dying alone at home and lying undiscovered for weeks". Speaking out at the inquest of a 70 year-old woman, he added that it is a "sad indictment on society where there is an increasing number of cases like this and one wonders whether society should be looking after its elderly better than it does".

Despite these tragic stories, some local authorities are already putting up their community meals charges by as much as 75% and in some areas they are scrapping their meals services altogether. 

Figures show that currently £13.6 billion (BAPEN 2009 figures) is spent annually on treating malnutrition in the UK. Yet the NACC warns that making an investment in the care catering sector now, rather than cutting these services, will actually help save money in the long term. For example, research in Australia has shown that spending £1 on good nutrition is likely to save £5 on the health budget as care packages are reduced. 

The biggest challenge facing the sector is the growing number of over 65 year olds - in 2008 the figure was 16% of the population and in 2033 it is estimated to be 23%. Dementia is also set to rise in the next 10 years by 34% - all will need good nutritional care. 

NACC spokesperson added: "In 2003 £7.9 billion was spent on malnutrition. Is it a coincidence that after the 'Fair Access to Care' criteria were introduced in 2004 we saw a rise in malnutrition cases? After all many preventative services were cut. These cuts were most likely due to commissioning services changing the criteria level and only responding to "critical and substantial need."

Related Articles:

• 19 Mar 2010 - Community meals report focus on malnutrition

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L Anderson

16 December 2010 at 7:04pm

Many elderly people have been diagnosed with coeliac disease before they become in-patients. What steps have been taken to be sure these coeliacs are well-catered for whilst they are in hospital? Some of these patients will also be vegetarians (or they may require other special diets) . Are they offered suitable meals when they are in hospital?

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