Fears raised as Lothians cases of malnutrition continue to rise

Published on Friday 7 August 2009 10:11

CASES of malnutrition are continuing to rise across the Lothians, figures have shown.

Concern has been expressed after it emerged there were more than 450 admissions to local hospitals last year, showing a steady increase from previous years.

Eight of those patients were under the age of 15. The Evening News reported earlier this year the extent of the problem of malnutrition in the Lothians up to the end of 2008, and since then the figures have worsened.

Lothians MSP Gavin Brown said: "News that nine people every week are treated for malnutrition in the Lothians is a matter of considerable concern."

"The figures are worrying and need to be acted upon as a matter of urgency. NHS Lothians is one of five NHS Boards where figures have gone up and it is clear that experts in this field need to be engaged by this government and by local authorities across the Lothians so that the situation can be turned around."