AFTER more than 1,000 people were admitted into hospitals across North Wales with hip fractures over the past year, hospital specialists are offering advice to those at risk.

Hip fractures frequently happen to elderly or vulnerable people – who are particularly prone to the ill-effects of the cold weather - after simple falls which usually happen at home.

During the winter, there is also an added increase in the number of hospital admissions which are due to falls that cause hip fractures and require operations to treat them.

With that increase due to begin taking effect over the upcoming weeks, the Orthopaedic and Falls Prevention team at Wrexham Maelor Hospital are encouraging people to make simple changes to try to avoid this type of injury.

Mr Ibrahim Malek, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, said: “As we head into the festive period, we would like to encourage our communities across North Wales to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and relatives during the wintry weather.

“Elderly people can be particularly prone to the ill-effects of the cold weather which can lead to falls that are very common amongst older people, and especially those who may have reduced vision or mobility and balance problems.

“We see an increase in hospital admissions during the winter months with this devastating injury and a majority of these patients require highly challenging operations to treat them.

“Unfortunately, quite a few of these patients will never be able to get back to their pre-injury level of activity and this poses a risk that the patient will lose their independence.

“It makes sense to try to avoid this injury happening in the first place and there are very simple personal and household changes that can be done to reduce the risk of a fall causing these fractures.”

Specialists at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have advised local residents to prepare their home adequately by:

• Keeping your driveway lit and clear of wet and dry leaves.

• Keeping your home clutter free.

• Ensuring your stairs are clear and have sturdy railings.

• Not leaving loose wires or cables on the floor.

• Removing rugs or any slippery items.

• Cleaning fluid spillage from the floor as soon as possible.

• Ensuring you have non-slip bath and floor mats in your bathrooms and toilets.

• Installing grab rails in the shower, bathroom and toilets.

• Having good bedroom lighting during the night.

The specialists have also urged people to continue looking after themselves by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, having regular eye tests, and seeing your GP about any problems with your balance.

They also recommend planning your activities and attire by wearing well-fitted non-slip shoes and warm clothing, while having access to a mobile phone.

Osteoporosis causes over 300,000 fractures in the UK every year with the condition developing slowly over several years and often only diagnosed when a bone is broken.

Jane Evans, Trauma Liaison Nurse Practitioner at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “Losing bone is a normal part of ageing, but some people lose bone much faster than normal. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones.

“Women also lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause and are more at risk of osteoporosis than men.

“Taking regular exercise can keep your bones as strong as possible. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and making lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption can help with reducing the risks of developing the condition.

“If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of a fall, such as removing hazards from your home and having regular sight tests and hearing tests.”

One in three people over the age of 65 fall each year, with that rising to one in two people who are over 80 years old.

Jo Davies, BCUHB Falls Community Lead added: “Many falls are not always reported and there is evidence to suggest that this is due to people fearing that reporting them will lead to losing their independence and their ability to remain in their home.

“Our Falls Prevention Team aims to support those over the age of 65 to recognise falls risks so easy interventions can be tailored to each individual.

“It is important we increase the knowledge and understanding of the benefits to ageing well amongst our younger population which will help to encourage physical and mental wellbeing at the earliest opportunity.”