Malnutrition deaths fall

THE number of malnourished patients dying in Lothians hospitals has fallen to its lowest in years.

Twelve people passed away with malnutrition as a factor in their deaths in 2009, compared to 16 the year before and 19 in 2005.

However, politicians said that number was still too high and more had to be done to address the issue.

The Liberal Democrat's health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "It is alarming that anyone in Scotland is dying of malnutrition in this day and age.

"Most victims are elderly, many of whom have conditions that make eating difficult or need help with their meals.

"These figures raise the concern that malnutrition is not being properly diagnosed. Ministers must investigate this issue as a matter of urgency."