More patients are leaving hospital malnourished than those admitted for the problem, according to figures unearthed by one of the district’s MPs.

Nine patients were admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of malnutrition to Airedale General Hospital in 2009-10, but 11 patients were discharged with the condition, the figures show.

Meanwhile, 65 patients were admitted with malnutrition to St Luke’s or Bradford Royal Infirmary in the same period, with the same number being discharged with malnourishment.

Across England as a whole, 3,773 patients were admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of malnutrition, and 4,412 discharged.

Shipley MP Philip Davies, who asked the Government for the figures, wants to see protected meal times where patients are not disturbed by medics.

He said: “Patients eating their meals is not a priority in many hospitals.

“I do not think it is a question of quality of food at all but ensuring patients are not disturbed to take medication or have their blood pressure taken. People tend to go into hospital at their lowest ebb and to come out with malnutrition when you did not go in with it is disgraceful.

“The national picture is scandalous and I am pleased that the Bradford figures are much better.”

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s, said all patients were assessed and provided with nutritious food.

A spokesman said: “We have a number of systems in place, such as the use of identifiable trays, to ensure patients who require assistance are recognised and given the help they need. We have also introduced protected mealtimes, snack boxes, and increased menu choices. Volunteers and staff also assist patients who have difficulty with feeding.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “Malnutrition can be a consequence of serious illness or medication or as a result of treatment.”