St Helier Hospital has been named as one of the best performing hospitals for hip fracture care.

A dedicated hip fracture unit was opened at the hospital in 2010 and a recent report by the National Hip Fracture Database found St Helier to be performing above the national average in all key areas.

The report found 99.3 per cent of patients were assessed by an orthogeriatrican, a specialist skilled in the care of elderly patients, before surgery against a national average of 43.

A total of 93.5 per cent of patients had surgery within 48 hours of coming to hospital against an average of 83 per cent, and 100 per cent of patients underwent assessments to reduce the risk of them falling again against an average of 92 per cent.

Dr Nivi Singh, consultant orthogeriatrician, said: "Figures show that up to a third of older people who suffer a hip fracture will die within the first year of their injury, and only half will return to their previous level of independence.  It can be hugely devastating for people, and making sure that they receive prompt treatment from the right senior specialists is absolutely vital to their recovery and quality of life."