With the cost of malnutrition estimated to cost nearly £20-billion in England[1], with around half spent on over 65s, Care England have collaborated with My Doctor’s Recipe to tackle the critical issue of malnutrition in the care sector to support the elderly and infirm, as well as individuals undergoing or recovering from surgery or medical treatment.
The joint report outlines the cost to not just the economy but to the individuals who are prescribed oral nutritional supplements on the NHS of which up to 80% are discarded and offers insights and alternatives to tackle malnutrition through:
– Improved Health and Well-being
– Enhanced Recovery
– Better mood and Mental Health
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England commented:
“This report outlines the benefits of nutrition; My Doctor’s Recipe, provides a solution to prevent malnutrition in individuals in receipt of care as an alternative to the more traditional supplements prescribed by the NHS which are mostly discarded. Having products which are both enjoyed and help combat malnutrition is vital for the social care sector, to promote health and well-being for the most vulnerable in our sector. If we continue to prescribe wasted oral nutritional supplements which are largely discarded, we will continue to waste billions of pounds per annum and never achieve the sea change needed to combat malnutrition in those we care for. “
Malnutrition is not just a matter of physical health. The cost of treating malnutrition-related illnesses is significant, both for individuals and the healthcare system. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, increases the risk of infections, and adds pressure to the already overstretched health and social care sector. By addressing nutritional needs proactively, we can significantly reduce these costs, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately improve outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.
Dr. Jon Krell, Co-founder & Medical Director of My Doctor’s Recipe, added:
“This report shows that tackling malnutrition is vital. My Doctor’s Recipe, can be a crucial tool, offering a straightforward, cost-effective solution that ensures those in social care receive the nutritional support they need. We are committed to helping improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals with products designed to be an essential part of their care, as opposed to wasting billions on traditional wasted oral nutritional supplements.”
To read the full report please click here.
[1] Elia, M. (2015). The cost of malnutrition in England and potential cost savings from nutritional interventions (short version) A report on the cost of disease-related malnutrition in England and a budget impact analysis of implementing the NICE clinical guidelines/quality standard on nutritional support in adults. [online] Available at: https://www.bapen.org.uk/pdfs/economic-report-short.pdf.