The number of hospital beds needed is greatly increased by the malnutrition of patients before admission and after discharge. Malnourished patients spend longer in hospital and are more likely to die following surgery or other treatment. Extensive studies show that low blood serum albumin, indicating protein deficiency, is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality among hospital patients. Community food and nutrition services are extending throughout the developed world as part of public health policies. Such services can reduce costs by reducing the need for hospital beds, can reduce waiting lists and save the lives of many hospital patients. Preventive nutrition services can give financial benefits much exceeding costs.
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