Ice brings hip fracture surge

THIS winter has seen the largest number of hip fractures in the Lothians since records began.

NHS Lothian also revealed that orthopaedic emergency admissions at the ERI rose 43 per cent between 21 December and 10 January as the hospital dealt with people who had slipped in the unusually icy spell.

Strategic planning director Jackie Sansbury said: "We experienced a surge in orthopaedic cases at the start of January because of the extreme weather. We have plans in place to ensure patients in NHS Lothian continue to receive swift, quality care within the agreed times."

The Scottish Government is to give health authorities extra cash to help them cope with a backlog of operations on broken bones.