Roman Byst
Wed, Dec-14-05, 05:15
"Malnutrition 'costs UK billions'", BBC News, December 13,
2005, Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4524690.stm
Malnutrition costs the UK more than =A37.3bn a year - more
than double the bill for obesity, a report has found.
However, the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral
Nutrition said malnutrition was given a much lower priority by
the government.
The report estimates around 30% of patients in hospitals and
nursing homes are clinically malnourished.
In total, more than three million people are thought to be
malnourished at any one time.
This includes 10% of people over the age of 65 living in the
community.
A report published by the Malnutrition Advisory Group in 2003
warned that many people with malnutrition go undiagnosed.
Malnourished people stay in hospital longer, succumb to
infection more often, and visit their GP more frequently.
They also require longer-term care, and more extensive
nursing care.
Screening needed
The BAPEN report found it costs =A33.8 billion a year to treat
malnourished people in hospital, and =A32.6 billion to treat
them in long-term care facilities.
GP and outpatient visits add another =A3750 million to the
bill.
Professor Marinos Elia, BAPEN chairman, called for effective
screening to detect malnutrition, so that appropriate
nutritional treatment can be provided.
The association has developed a simple-to-use screening tool
to identify those already suffering or at risk of
malnutrition.
Professor Elia said: "It is surprising that in England it has
not been made mandatory for all patients to be screened for
malnutrition on admission to hospital as it has in Scotland.
"It takes a period of time for an individual to become
clinically malnourished, often starting in the community, but
if at least it is picked up in hospital a great deal of
suffering of patients and their families can be avoided.
"Resources must be made available for the training of health
and care staff in all settings so that malnourished patients
and residents are identified and appropriate treatment and
support provided."
A Department of Health spokesperson said measures, backed by
new investment, had been put in place to tackle the health
inequalities that can lead to poor diet and ill health.
The Better Hospital Food programme had improved quality,
access and availability of food to hospital patients.
Minimum standards for meals in care homes had also been
introduced.
2005, Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4524690.stm
Malnutrition costs the UK more than =A37.3bn a year - more
than double the bill for obesity, a report has found.
However, the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral
Nutrition said malnutrition was given a much lower priority by
the government.
The report estimates around 30% of patients in hospitals and
nursing homes are clinically malnourished.
In total, more than three million people are thought to be
malnourished at any one time.
This includes 10% of people over the age of 65 living in the
community.
A report published by the Malnutrition Advisory Group in 2003
warned that many people with malnutrition go undiagnosed.
Malnourished people stay in hospital longer, succumb to
infection more often, and visit their GP more frequently.
They also require longer-term care, and more extensive
nursing care.
Screening needed
The BAPEN report found it costs =A33.8 billion a year to treat
malnourished people in hospital, and =A32.6 billion to treat
them in long-term care facilities.
GP and outpatient visits add another =A3750 million to the
bill.
Professor Marinos Elia, BAPEN chairman, called for effective
screening to detect malnutrition, so that appropriate
nutritional treatment can be provided.
The association has developed a simple-to-use screening tool
to identify those already suffering or at risk of
malnutrition.
Professor Elia said: "It is surprising that in England it has
not been made mandatory for all patients to be screened for
malnutrition on admission to hospital as it has in Scotland.
"It takes a period of time for an individual to become
clinically malnourished, often starting in the community, but
if at least it is picked up in hospital a great deal of
suffering of patients and their families can be avoided.
"Resources must be made available for the training of health
and care staff in all settings so that malnourished patients
and residents are identified and appropriate treatment and
support provided."
A Department of Health spokesperson said measures, backed by
new investment, had been put in place to tackle the health
inequalities that can lead to poor diet and ill health.
The Better Hospital Food programme had improved quality,
access and availability of food to hospital patients.
Minimum standards for meals in care homes had also been
introduced.