MP commits to tackling the long-neglected problem of malnutrition

LOCAL MP Dr Andrew Murrison has called for action to tackle disease-related malnutrition as part of the prevention agenda, as he says that malnutrition is surprisingly prevalent in advanced European countries.

Andrew attended a Parliamentary drop-in session last month to learn more about the long-term problem of malnutrition across England and in the South West where there is an estimated 3.77% of people living with malnutrition in the Bath and North East Somerset Swindon and Wiltshire area.

“Malnutrition is a significant public health issue which must be addressed as a prevention priority to improve the health of the nation and ensure the future of our NHS,” he said.

“It is a serious condition that occurs when the body doesn’t get enough of the right nutrients in the right amounts. Often this can be down to existing diseases or illnesses. While disease is a key driver, social and economic factors can also contribute to the risk of developing malnutrition.”

At the event, hosted by Danone UK and Ireland, the MP learnt of new research (Hiding in plain sight: Tackling malnutrition as part of the prevention agenda) highlighting the significant impact of malnutrition in England. It affects 2.9 million people in England – around 1 in 20 – and costs the health and social care system £22.6 billion every year. The report estimates that nationally just under £1 in every £5 of the NHS budget is spent on people with diseaserelated malnutrition, which is more prevalent in older populations. Yet currently only 2% of people admitted to hospital with disease related malnutrition are receiving a diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis and better nutritional support for patients can help reduce hospital stays, support recovery and prevent costly re-admissions.

Andrew also explored the impact of malnutrition in his constituency through an interactive online tool (https://visualisation.polimapper.co.uk/?dataSetKey=malnutrition-by-constituency&client=incisivehealthdanone), which reveals that in Bath and North East Somerset Swindon and Wiltshire estimates show:

• 15.46% of the total annual health authority budget is spent on malnutrition
• There are 57,158 additional GP appointments due to malnutrition every year
• There are 5,611 additional hospital admissions due to malnutrition every year
• 2,732 people over 75 in care homes are malnourished

To address this issue there are already practical, cost-effective solutions to call for, such as the implementation of proven screening tools to identify malnutrition across all care settings. By spotting people at risk of malnutrition and providing better nutritional support, further illness can be prevented and added pressure on the health system can be alleviated.

Victoria Blewett, medical affairs director at Danone UK and Ireland said, “We need to see the impact of malnutrition being taken more seriously. It not only comes at a huge cost to the healthcare system, but also at a cost to the health of the millions of people affected … If the NHS is to be put on a more sustainable footing, a more proactive approach to medical nutrition through prevention and management of malnutrition is essential.”

Andrew added, “Although the malnutrition statistics in South West Wiltshire are better than the national averages, they are higher than they should be. I fully support pragmatic and much-needed steps. To deal with malnutrition this government is getting to grips with a largely hidden problem that has been neglected for decades.”