In response to new figures on malnutrition in hospitals released today by the Conservatives‚ Andrew Harrop‚ Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:

“It’s scandalous to see that malnutrition is still a huge problem in our hospitals and care homes.  Nutritious food and help with eating is an essential part of basic care which must be recognised by all staff.

“Shockingly six out of ten ¹older people are at risk of becoming malnourished or their situation getting worse in hospital. This leads to longer stays in hospitals‚ the need for more drugs and interventions and more post-operative complicatins. 

“At a time of big cuts‚ there are billions to be saved by effectively tackling this problem.  Yet despite a commitment from the Government to take action ^2‚ many NHS Trusts are yet to introduce protected mealtimes and one in three NHS Trusts still haven’t introduced red-tray systems to identify those who need help with eating and drinking.³

“Until nutrition is given top priority in every ward and care setting‚ older people will continue to be needlessly malnourished‚ putting their health at risk.”