Introduction: It is well established that prompt medical management and early surgery for patients with fractured neck of femur has been shown to reduce mortality and reduce hospital length of stay. A Trauma Pathway Group (TPG) was established at Mayday Hospital, in August 2007 to assess local practises and to implement improvements, led by senior clinicians in Orthopaedics, Anaesthetics and Orthogeriatrics, and liaising with senior hospital managers within the trust. Here we present results after one year of the TPG.

Means and methods: We reviewed all patients admitted to Mayday with a fractured neck of femur over 60 years of age at admission between 1st October 2006 and 31st September 2007 (prior to the TPG) and between 1st October 2007 and 31st September 2008 (after the TPG).

We compared these two groups, focussing on pre-operative delays, length of stay in hospital and in-hospital mortality.

Results: There were 185 patients admitted to Mayday University Hospital between 1st October 2006 and 31st September 2007, and 212 between 1st October 07 and 31st September 2008. The average age of patients admitted was 83. 75% were female. There was no significant difference in mean age or sex between the two groups. The mean wait for surgery was reduced from 4.3 days to 1.3 days (p< 0.001). The mean length of stay was reduced from 33.5 days to 26.2 (p< 0.005). The in-hospital mortality was not significantly altered - 14.6% in the first year, and 16.0% in the second.

Discussion: The TPG has had a significant impact on the management of patients with fractured neck of femur. Our figures and feedback from staff and patients has been positive, and the work has increased the prominence of the care of these patients, so has enabled us to significantly improve the care of this extremely vulnerable group.