110 people died of malnutrition in Scottish hospitals last year

RECORD numbers of Scots are dying of malnutrition while in hospital.

Figures released yesterday showed 110 people died across the country last year - sparking calls for an investigation into hospital food.

The figures did not give the ages of people who died but it is understood the vast majority were elderly.

And 1884 people were discharged from hospital suffering from malnutrition.

Scots Tory public health spokesman Jackson Carlaw said: "News that so many people are suffering and dying from malnutrition while in the care of the NHS is a matter of considerable concern.

"Having to attend hospital is concern enough for patients and their families.

"The last thing they need is additional worries about the nutritional content of meals."

The highest death toll was in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, where 24 people died. There were 17 deaths in Lothian and 17 in Fife.

The total hit 110 once before, in 2006. More than 1000 people have died in Scots hospitals from malnutrition since 1998.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon released the figures in answer to a parliamentary question.

She said: "These figures may be an undercount of the true number of cases because malnutrition as an underlying reason for admission to hospital or cause of death may not always be recorded."

She said figures for the number of malnutrition deaths in care homes were not collected.