This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6337151.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Malnutrition cases increase again Malnutrition cases increase again
(about 5 hours later)
The number of malnutrition cases recorded by Scottish hospitals has risen for the fourth year in a row.The number of malnutrition cases recorded by Scottish hospitals has risen for the fourth year in a row.
A total of 1,900 patients, almost all of them adults, were diagnosed with the condition last year, a fifth more than in 2002.A total of 1,900 patients, almost all of them adults, were diagnosed with the condition last year, a fifth more than in 2002.
NHS Lothian saw the sharpest rise, with more than 500 cases recorded in 2006.NHS Lothian saw the sharpest rise, with more than 500 cases recorded in 2006.
The SNP described the figures as "disturbing". The Scottish Executive said improved record-keeping may help explain the increase.The SNP described the figures as "disturbing". The Scottish Executive said improved record-keeping may help explain the increase.
But ministers admitted that some cases, where malnutrition was a secondary concern, would still be missed from the statistics.But ministers admitted that some cases, where malnutrition was a secondary concern, would still be missed from the statistics.
'Better detection'
Fewer than 1,600 cases of malnutrition were recorded in 2002.Fewer than 1,600 cases of malnutrition were recorded in 2002.
However, that number has crept up every year since then.However, that number has crept up every year since then.
The executive said that in many cases, malnutrition in patients could have stemmed from conditions such as cancer or severe heart failure.
A spokesman added boards were told in 2003 to assess the nutritional state of all patients on admission which could also account for the increase.
"Given improved assessment and screening, it is unclear whether there is indeed an upward trend in malnutrition or better detection," he said.
"Nevertheless, we will consider the information in more detail, to establish whether there is a genuine cause for concern."