Concerns over death rate of hip fracture patients

Death rates for hip fracture patients are almost four times greater in certain New South Wales public hospitals.

A study found that patients treated in hospitals that provide an orthogeriatric service have a significantly lower mortality rate 30 days after they undergo hip surgery than in patients treated at hospitals without it.

Hip fracture injuries are estimated to have cost NSW hospitals A$98 million dollars in 2009-2010. Researchers believe that orthogeriatric care would help mitigate these costs, with a significant amount being spent on delays in surgery and managing complications.