Malnutrition - FOI Response Register

1. How many individuals were diagnosed with/treated for malnutrition in this health board in (a)2018 (b)2019 (c)2020 and (d)2021.

Note figures include fetal malnutrition, and malnutrition in pregnancy.

With regards to pre 2020 data then, in accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

The dietetic department have changed how they record referrals to be more reflective of treatment. The numbers in the second column are patients referred for nutrition support with the additional numbers in brackets the referrals for oncology patients who are almost all nutritional support with current or high risk of developing malnutrition.

2. Can you confirm the range of treatments offered for those diagnosed with malnutrition by this health board?

For energy malnutrition, there are a range of options explored to best meet the patients needs and preferences. These include assessing and amending current dietary intake, always starting with a food first approach. Where adjustments to oral intake are still insufficient for meeting requirements there are various options including the use of oral nutritional supplements to compliment food intake. There are also options for short and long term artificial feeding.

For micronutrient malnutrition, again an assessment and adjustment of food intake would be a first approach and where this is still insufficient to meet needs, appropriate vitamin or mineral supplements may be recommended.

3. How many individuals were diagnosed with any of the following vitamin deficiencies in (a)2018 (b)2019 (c)2020 and (d)2021 - vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and Iron?