Patient malnutrition signs not being checked, study - AGE UK

Patient malnutrition signs not being checked, study

Source : Press Association
Published on 22 August 2011 02:30 PM

A survey by the Patients Association has revealed that two thirds of people in hospitals are not checked for signs of malnutrition.

According to the results of the most extensive such research into hospital and community malnutrition, the majority of carers helping older people fail to keep a record of their nutritional situation, with many failing to even weigh their clients.

NHS protocols demand patients be weighed when admitted to hospital and all outpatients must be quizzed on their eating habits and weight. This also applies to those people going into care homes.

After surveying some 5,000 adults in all areas of Britain except Northern Ireland, the Patients Association found that the situation has not improved since an earlier 2011 survey revealed dehydration plays a part in the deaths of 800 patients annually.

The most recent poll found that 69 per cent of inpatients could not remember being screened for malnutrition when they arrived at hospital.

Katherine Murphy, the Patients Association's chief executive said: 'Local authorities must ensure that health and social care is properly integrated and that vulnerable patients are not discharged and left to fend for themselves.

'Malnutrition not only affects patients, their families and carers but it costs the NHS more than £13billion a year.'

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK commented: 'Every patient should be properly fed and treated with dignity whether in hospital or in the community. These are the essential elements of care. It is equally important that people at risk of malnutrition living in the community are identified early and supported.

'The Patient’s Association’s report highlights the many missed opportunities to intervene when someone is under-weight or otherwise malnourished, not just in hospital but when, for example, a person sees their GP. The report further highlights the need to improve awareness of malnutrition in older people. It is important to challenge assumptions such as saying people simply have a reduced appetite in later life.

Our Hungry to be Heard campaign

Michelle Mitchell continued: 'Age UK’s Hungry to be Heard campaign called last year for the CQC to undertake a comprehensive review of hospital mealtimes. The subsequent spot checks are a positive step in highlighting the issues in this area. However, even though we know that hospital staff’s recognition of the issue is high, much more still needs to be done to ensure that words are transferring into action on wards.

'The Hungry to be Heard campaign wants hospitals' data on malnutrition rates to be published and monitored in a consistent way, and for hospital wards to effectively implement Age UK’s seven recommended steps. Measures to ensure that older patients’ treatment is consistent from hospital to hospital and ward to ward must also be taken, ensuring that all staff treat all patients appropriately at all times.'

See also

• Support our campaign to end malnutrition in hospitals
• Going into hospital
• Your healthcare rights

via ageuk.org.uk