Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What percentage of, and how many, elderly people have been admitted to hospital in the United Kingdom for (i) postural hypertension, (ii) renal failure, (iii) dehydration and (iv) electrolyte imbalance as a direct result of taking prescribed diuretics in each of the last five years broken down by (a) gender and (b) age bands of 10 years, starting at 60 years. - Information in Lib as DEP/3 4109.

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of, and how many, elderly people have been admitted to hospital in the United Kingdom for (i) postural hypertension, (ii) renal failure, (iii) dehydration and (iv) electrolyte imbalance as a direct result of taking prescribed diuretics in each of the last five years broken down by (a) gender and (b) age bands of 10 years, starting at 60 years; and if he will make a statement. [2880] Mr. Horam: It is not possible to identify data relating specifically to prescribed drugs. The information available on admission in these categories where there is also a mention of diuretics has been placed in the Library. Questions about hospital admissions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2880; 285 c334W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Admissions Hospitals Drugs Prescription drugs Older people Side effects Dehydration
Contains statistics: Yes