Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
434. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated scale of disease-related malnutrition here; the clinical setting in which disease-related malnutrition predominantly exists; the estimated cost impact of disease-related malnutrition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48040/18]
View answer435. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the measures being undertaken to accurately measure the scale of malnutrition in the community setting here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
Good nutrition is fundamental for good health, healing and recovery from illness and injury. Many factors including illness predispose to malnourishment and indicators of malnutrition can found in community patients.
Nutritional screening is a first-line process in identifying patients who are malnourished or at risk of becoming so; nutritional assessment is a detailed investigation to identify and quantify specific nutritional problems.
The Health Service Executive has a nutrition screening programme in the community setting and I am referring your questions to the HSE for their direct reply to the Deputy.
