Treating 450 patients every year, neck of femur fractures are one of the most common complex trauma problems orthopaedic surgeons’ face. Patients admitted to hospital with fractured neck of femur or hip fracture, are often seriously ill, elderly and frail, resulting in poor outcomes.
In 2013 the orthopaedic team conducted an audit of all deaths within 30 days and a comprehensive review of the Hip Fracture Pathway and the team revolutionised the care of patients who have hip fractures by introducing:
• a dedicated hip fracture unit which reduces the admission time from A&E to treatment;
• fasciailiac blocks to reduce opiate usage;
• a new cancellation policy, which has improved appointment scheduling;
• increased use of spinal anaesthesia;
• outreach support out of hours to ensure support post operatively;
• a dedicated nurse specialist to ensure the patient pathway is smooth from admission to discharge;
• better access to Intensive Treatment Unit (ICU) beds.
Mortality rates in the subsequent years has shown a dramatic reduction from 12% in 2012/13 to 8.9% in 2013/14 to just 5.4% in 2014/15, reducing our mortality rate by half.
Mike van der Watt, Medical Director said: “The results of these changes has been a fantastic success in helping to shape the healthcare delivered at our hospitals. Through whole team collaborative working and improving the pathway we deliver, we have improved the lives for our patients. Most hip fractures are suffered by frail elderly patients, for whom this injury can be life-threatening. The improvements we have made are saving lives and making it even safer to have your care here at Watford”.