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| 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." |