Letter: Nutritional needs

The report about hospital patients at risk of malnutrition (30 August) raises serious concerns for patients and their families.

I should like to offer my assurances that the Scottish Government takes the issue of hospital nutrition extremely seriously.

We have invested more than 1.75 million in the UK's first malnutrition screening for patients and appointed nutrition champions in all NHS boards to ensure strict new hospital food standards are met under our groundbreaking Improving Nutritional Care in Hospitals initiative.

We know malnutrition can be a contributory cause of death, secondary to an underlying condition, which is why any patient found to be suffering from malnutrition on admission is given appropriate and ongoing treatment, including a care plan to deliver a healthy, balanced diet.

Patients and their families need to know that nutritious food is provided and that assistance is always available at meal times for those who require help. It is vital in aiding recovery and we are working tirelessly to ensure it is delivered at all times.

Nicola Sturgeon MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Health