Dozens of patients died within 30 days of breaking their hip after being admitted to Great Western Hospital in one year.

At 7.6%, the hospital had one of the highest mortality rates of the 177 trauma units across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, where the average rate was 6.1%.

Charity Age UK says hip fractures are a “serious threat to older people’s health”.

It is calling for the prevention of falls to become a priority for the health service.

Great Western Hospital dealt with 435 hip fractures during 2018, according to the latest annual National Hip Fracture Database report by the Royal College of Physicians.

Of these, 33 people died within 30 days of sustaining the fracture.

Hip fractures are the most common reason for admission to orthopaedic wards, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

They mainly affect older people who may suffer from osteoporosis, or weak bones.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said it was "absolutely essential" that high-risk patients get access to high-quality care wherever they live.