Hip fracture patients being left in pain

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today said that a significant rise in the number of patients experiencing longer waits for treatment of broken hips is yet another poor legacy of Humza Yousaf's time as Health Secretary.

New figures published by Public Health Scotland show:

• Incidence continued to increase: An additional 584 patients sustained a hip fracture in 2022 (8,380 cases), compared to 2021 (7,796 cases).
• Patients spent longer in the emergency department in 2022. 6 out of every 10 were admitted to hospital within 4 hours of arrival, down from 8 in 10 in 2021.
• The proportion of patients who were admitted to hospital within the 4-hour target fell significantly to 34.9% in 2022 from 61.2% in 2021.
• The downward trend in completion of inpatient assessments continued and fell to 49.3% in 2022 from 56.5% in 2021.
• Commencement of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) within 3 days of admission fell to 84.9% in 2022 from 88% in 2021.
• Acute and total length of hospital stay rose by one day in 2022 compared to the previous year. The acute stay was 11 days and total length of stay was 18 days.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

"These figures represent thousands of patients in pain.

"As Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf oversaw the introduction of a so-called NHS recovery plan that has proven to be simply unfit for purpose.

"The legacy of his disastrous stint in charge of our health service is longer waits for treatment and longer stays in hospital for those who make it there.

"Humza Yousaf needs to admit his failings and get serious about these patients' health needs.

"It's also time to review whether the national falls and fractures strategy is working and whether changes are needed in the new strategy that will come into effect from 2024."