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Figures show rise in malnutrition deaths in England and Wales Figures show rise in malnutrition deaths in England and Wales
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Malnutrition was underlying cause of 66 deaths in 2016 and a contributory factor in 285 moreMalnutrition was underlying cause of 66 deaths in 2016 and a contributory factor in 285 more
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Mon 5 Feb 2018 14.00 GMTMon 5 Feb 2018 14.00 GMT
Last modified on Mon 5 Feb 2018 14.05 GMT Last modified on Mon 5 Feb 2018 15.28 GMT
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Malnutrition was listed on more than 350 death certificates in England and Wales in 2016.Malnutrition was listed on more than 350 death certificates in England and Wales in 2016.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show malnutrition was the underlying cause or a contributory factor in 351 deaths in NHS hospitals in England and Wales.Figures from the Office for National Statistics show malnutrition was the underlying cause or a contributory factor in 351 deaths in NHS hospitals in England and Wales.
It was the underlying cause of 66 deaths, up from 59 the previous year and the highest number in the last decade.It was the underlying cause of 66 deaths, up from 59 the previous year and the highest number in the last decade.
The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, submitted a written question asking how many patients were recorded as having died as a result of malnutrition in NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years.The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, submitted a written question asking how many patients were recorded as having died as a result of malnutrition in NHS hospitals in each of the last 10 years.
In a letter replying to Ashworth, John Pullinger, the chief executive of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “Malnutrition may be recorded as the underlying cause of death, but this is a rare occurrence. More commonly, malnutrition or ‘effects of hunger’ may be recorded on the death certificate as a contributory factor, but not as the underlying cause. Those who die with the condition are usually already very ill.In a letter replying to Ashworth, John Pullinger, the chief executive of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “Malnutrition may be recorded as the underlying cause of death, but this is a rare occurrence. More commonly, malnutrition or ‘effects of hunger’ may be recorded on the death certificate as a contributory factor, but not as the underlying cause. Those who die with the condition are usually already very ill.
“For example, someone with malnutrition may have cancer of the digestive tract, which means they cannot absorb nutrients; they may have suffered from a stroke or have advanced dementia which can cause difficulties chewing and swallowing; or they may abuse alcohol and so not eat properly.“For example, someone with malnutrition may have cancer of the digestive tract, which means they cannot absorb nutrients; they may have suffered from a stroke or have advanced dementia which can cause difficulties chewing and swallowing; or they may abuse alcohol and so not eat properly.
“In these cases, malnutrition may be recorded on the death certificate as a condition that has contributed to the death, but it will not be the underlying cause.”“In these cases, malnutrition may be recorded on the death certificate as a condition that has contributed to the death, but it will not be the underlying cause.”
Caroline Abrahams, a director at Age UK, said: “It is shocking that more than 1 million older people suffer from or are at risk of malnutrition in our country. It is a huge hidden problem in our communities.Caroline Abrahams, a director at Age UK, said: “It is shocking that more than 1 million older people suffer from or are at risk of malnutrition in our country. It is a huge hidden problem in our communities.
“There are many reasons why people become malnourished – poor health can make it harder for people to shop and cook, many lack the help they need at home to eat and drink properly, and for some, loneliness, isolation and depression may mean they simply lose motivation to eat well.“There are many reasons why people become malnourished – poor health can make it harder for people to shop and cook, many lack the help they need at home to eat and drink properly, and for some, loneliness, isolation and depression may mean they simply lose motivation to eat well.
“Many of these people will eventually come into hospital or a care home – in fact, nearly one in three of all older people admitted to hospital are already malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. It is vital that they get the additional help and support they need to eat and drink while they are able.”“Many of these people will eventually come into hospital or a care home – in fact, nearly one in three of all older people admitted to hospital are already malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. It is vital that they get the additional help and support they need to eat and drink while they are able.”
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