IMPROVEMENTS in hip fracture care has meant that over 300 fewer patients died in the year 2013 over a comparable period in 2011-12 according to a recent report.
The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) national report 2014 found that in 2013 the average 30-day mortality post fracture was 8.05 per cent compared to the previous figure of 8.1 per cent. Because so many people suffer with hip fracture each year this small percentage increase translates to over 300 fewer deaths.
The NHFD audit reports that care is improving in many areas including the time it takes for patients to get to theatre and access to a specialist consultant (orthogeriatrician).
Commenting on the results, Dr Antony Johansen, NHFD clinical lead, orthogeriatric medicine said, "This report marks another positive set of annual results, which show how, overall, hip fracture care has continued to improve year on year since the audit started in 2007. These improvements are against backdrop of an increase in the number of patients being treated and an increase in the average age of the hip fracture patient. Almost 50 per cent of patients are being admitted to an orthopaedic ward within four hours of arriving at hospital."
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