Operations put on ice

AN INCREASE in the amount of people attending hospital for fractures and falls has led to delays in operations.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Jan 2010, 15:02 BST

Updated 13th Jan 2010, 09:14 BST

Hospital staff referred more than 200 people to the fracture clinic at Craigavon Area Hospital throughout December, this compares to 151 for the same period last year.

Seamus O’Reilly, A&E consultant at Craigavon Hospital said: "During the cold spell we have seen a marked increase in falls especially among the elderly.

"Common fractures are to the wrist, ankle, hips and ribs.

"The impact of these on the patient can be devastating with risk of other complications and on occasions a risk of deterioration of their general health.

"Elderly patients can also lose confidence with loss of independence. Younger patients also risk serious injuries with time off work and loss of earnings."