Dr Brian Iddon MP Pledges his Support to Improve Care for Hip Fracture Patients

4th February 2008

Dr Brian Iddon MP has pledged his support for an innovative new programme which will dramatically improve the livelihood of people who suffer from hip fracture in Bolton South East.

Over 70,000 people suffer from a hip fracture every year in the UK – equivalent to over 100 people in Bolton South East – and this number is likely to double as the population ages.  The cost to the NHS is a staggering £1.8bn.

Hip fracture is a preventable condition if warning signs are detected early enough and steps are taken to improve bone strength.  The National Hip Fracture Database, a joint initiative between the British Geriatric Society and the British Orthopaedic Association, is a new scheme which will allow local hospitals to improve the standard of hip fracture care in Bolton.

Dr Iddon has asked local NHS trusts to take part in the scheme and ensure that the best standards of care for constituents are met.

Dr Iddon said:

“Hip fracture can have a hugely detrimental effect on the livelihood of local residents, particularly the elderly, but it is becoming increasingly possible to manage the condition, improve standards of care and, in some circumstances, prevent patients from suffering a fracture in the future.”

“The National Hip Fracture Database is a vital measure in addressing the impact of hip fracture and I hope all local hospitals will take part in the scheme.”

The quality of hip fracture care varies significantly across the UK because of the differing ways care standards are implemented, and because there is no integrated monitoring and recording of hip fracture treatment and outcomes.

The National Hip Fracture Database will collect, analyse and disseminate data on the treatment of hip fracture in hospitals throughout the country to ensure the best standard of care and practice are being observed. 

Professor David Marsh, an orthopaedic surgeon and Chair of the National Hip Fracture Database Executive, said:

“There is overwhelming evidence that shows we can prevent patients suffering from hip fractures, yet the vast majority are not even being assessed.  Hip fractures are threatening to overwhelm trauma and orthopaedic units, and it’s vital that managers and clinicians know exactly how they are doing if they are to have any hope of providing a better service.”

1. The National Hip Fracture Database is a joint initiative between the British Geriatric Society (BGS) and the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)

2. Hip fractures are estimated to cost the healthcare system £1.8 billion a year.  This is estimated to reach £2.2 billion by 2020 if the problem goes on unchecked

3. The National Hip Fracture Database will analyse data on both a local and national level, using comparative data to set benchmarks for proper care and encourage improvement in clinical standards

4. The National Hip Fracture Database supports the best-practice standards of care set out in The Care of Patients With Fragility Fracture Blue Book produced by the BOA and the BGS.