A GROUP of medical workers at the Horton General Hospital have been nominated for a national award after drastically improving the quality of care for hip fracture patients.

The pioneering team of of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists have helped the hospital in Banbury become the number one ranked hospital in the latest National Hip Fracture Audit published last year.

In recognition of their work the group has now made it to the final judging stages of The British Medical Journal (BMJ) Awards 2018.

Consultant trauma surgeon Mr Sam Anand, consultant orthogeriatrician Dr Angela Kannan, consultant anaesthetist Dr Jillian Hewitt-Gray and a multi-disciplinary team which includes nurses, physiotherapists and operating theatre staff are shortlisted in the Patient Safety category.

According to NHS statistics, in 2011 9.5 per cent of patients who had a hip fracture operation at the Horton General died within 30 days of surgery.

However, now only 2.9 per cent of patients who have a hip fracture operation at the Horton General die within 30 days of surgery - below the national average of 6.7 per cent.

Changes brought about by the team now mean frail elderly patients are prioritised on operating theatre lists, operating hours have been increased to make better use of theatre time, and physiotherapy is now provided at weekends.

The average length of time which patients spend in the Horton General following hip fracture surgery has also been significantly reduced from 22 days in 2011 to 16 days now, saving the NHS £170,340 per year.

Dr Kannan said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted as a team for The BMJ Awards. We have been inspired by the British cycling team and the Japanese concept of Kaizen. Using the theory of marginal gains – the huge difference which a large number of small changes can make to our patients – we are committed to continuously improving our service.

“Many of our patients are older people whose lives can be dramatically impacted by a hip fracture which can rob them of their confidence. By operating as soon as possible and then working as a team to support their rehabilitation, we can get them back on their feet and help them maintain their independence.”

The winners of the award will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 10 May.