The NHS trust in charge of Watford General say changes to hip fracture treatment has resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in mortality rates since 2013.

Often patients needing this treatment are seriously ill, elderly and frail.

In 2013 the orthopaedic team conducted an audit of all deaths within 30 days and a comprehensive review of the Hip Fracture Pathway.

The team then introduced a dedicated hip fracture unit to reduce the admission time from A&E to treatment, different forms of anaesthesia, a new cancellation policy to improve appointment scheduling.

In addition, the team have brought in outreach support out of hours to support post op patients, a dedicated nurse specialist to help patients from admission to discharge and better access to intensive treatment unit beds.

Mortality rates in the subsequent years has shown a reduction from 12 per cent in 2012/13 to 8.9 per cent in 2013/14 to 5.4 per cent in 2014/15.

Dr Mike van der Watt, the trust's medical director, said: "The results of these changes has been a fantastic success in helping to shape the healthcare delivered at our hospitals. Through whole team collaborative working and improving the pathway we deliver, we have improved the lives for our patients.

"Most hip fractures are suffered by frail elderly patients, for whom this injury can be life-threatening. The improvements we have made are saving lives and making it even safer to have your care here at Watford."