Hospital Malnutrition Admissions See Significant Rise, Deemed ‘Worrying’

A senior public health official has characterized a substantial increase in hospital admissions for malnutrition as a “worrying trend.” In the twelve months leading up to March, approximately 165 individuals were admitted to Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble hospitals due to under-nourishment. This represents a 73% rise compared to the roughly 95 admissions recorded in the preceding year. Malnutrition can stem from various factors, including dietary deficiencies, impaired nutrient absorption, or an inability to maintain a healthy diet. Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi, who serves as the director of public health for Lancashire County Council, stated: “Any rise in hospital admissions due to lack of access to healthy food is a worrying trend and will have a detrimental effect on people’s lives.” Data from NHS England for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, rounded to the nearest five, indicates a deviation from the national pattern. Across England, malnutrition-related admissions saw a slight decrease in 2023-24, falling to 10,728. Dr. Karunanithi noted that extensive efforts are underway across the county to “create and support resilience within our community food organisations.” He specified that these efforts encompass maximizing participation in national initiatives such as the healthy start programme and ensuring access to free school meals. Dr. Karunanithi further added: “We will continue to work with partners in addressing health inequalities and enabling people to stay well and to access healthy diets in Lancashire.” He concluded: “This will relieve pressure on hospitals and help people to live healthy lives.” Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, highlighted that healthy food is frequently the first expense cut by families facing financial hardship. She asserted: “We are calling on the government to ensure that everyone can afford and access a healthy diet that will keep them well, and in doing so achieve the government’s ambitions to make our children healthier, relieve pressure on the NHS and grow the economy.” A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care commented: “Our 10-Year Health Plan will tackle these stark health inequalities by shifting care out of the hospital into the community and supporting people to live longer, healthier lives.” Further examination of the NHS England data revealed that malnutrition admissions at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (also rounded to the nearest five) nearly doubled during the same timeframe, increasing from 35 to 65. Conversely, the situation remained largely stable at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, which manages the Royal Blackburn, with malnourishment admissions rising marginally from 30 to 35. However, at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, admissions decreased from 85 to 60.