Response to the National Hip Fracture report

Age UK response to the National Hip Fracture Database report 

In response to the ‘National Hip Fracture Database National Report 2010', Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said: 

"Falls represent the most frequent and serious type of accident in the over 65s.  So it's very worrying that following a hip fracture, nearly one third of people aren't being given the appropriate medication, care and support to reduce the risk of falling and injuring themselves again.

"While improvements have been made in the care of hip fractures, the report reveals 37 per cent of people still aren't receiving a ‘falls assessment', which leads on to support such as special exercise classes and home adaptations.  A quarter of people are being discharged from hospital without having been assessed for bone protection medication.   

"People who have suffered a fall are at the highest risk of falling again, so it is absolutely essential this group gets access to high quality falls prevention and appropriate care wherever they live.  

"Falls in general cost the NHS an estimated £4.6 million a day, as well as causing people pain, disability, loss of independence and even death. Reducing falls and improving the care and support we give people following a fall must be a priority for our health service".  

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Notes to editors

• Falls costs the NHS an estimated £4.6 million a day (Age UK estimate).
• Around 76,000 hip fractures occur in the UK each year and cost the NHS 1.4Bn. Number may double by 2050 (National Hip Fracture Database National Report 2010)
• Age UK will be launching a new campaign on falls reduction among older people in  Autumn 2010
• Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.