12 deaths in Lothians due to bedsores

A DOZEN people in the Lothians have died because of bedsores in the past year, figures have shown.

The statistics were released through the Scottish Parliament following a question from the Liberal Democrats.

They said that it wasn't an acceptable position in the 21st century.

The data revealed 81 people have passed away in the last five years who have had bedsores mentioned on the death certificate as an underlying or contributory factor.

That figure is far lower than Glasgow and below the national average.

Lib Dem health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "The public will be shocked that Scots are still dying from bedsores in the 21st century. They cause huge amounts of pain and discomfort but are easily preventable.

"Bedsores can arise because a patient has been left alone by staff for hours at a time. This needs to stop."