Anaphylactic shock cases double in ten years - Finnie (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Anaphylactic shock cases double in ten years - Finnie

July 21, 2009 2:41 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Ross Finnie MSP, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson, has revealed that the number of people admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock has almost doubled in ten years.

The figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats in answer to a Parliamentary Question show that cases in Scotland have risen from 239 in 1999 to 439 last year. There has been a 132% increase in admissions due to anaphylactic shock in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, rising from 53 to 123 per year over the same period.

Ross Finnie MSPCommenting, Mr Finnie said:

"These figures are shocking. The priority for Health Boards must be to find the cause of this increase so we can begin to address this alarming trend.

"The increase in the Greater Glasgow region is particularly worrying. Anaphylactic shock is a very serious condition that can lead to death within minutes if left untreated.

"The Scottish Government must investigate why this is happening. People who are prone to anaphylactic shock, either through an allergy or other underlying health condition, must be identified so that they can take preventative action."