TAMWORTH hospital has recorded higher than expected patient deaths across a range of conditions including heart failure, lung disease and hip fractures.
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The new figures come from two reports released by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) looking into rates of mortality within 30 days of hospitalisation and levels of readmission in the state’s public facilities.
The reports cover three years’ worth of data from July 2012 to June 2015.
Tamworth hospital general manager Catharine Death said the extent of chronic disease meant a lot of patients were coming in with “co-morbidities”, which are ongoing illnesses on top of other conditions such as cancers and dementia.
“We’re aware we have an ageing population and chronic disease is growing in our community,” she said.
While Ms Death was concerned by the extent of chronic disease in the community, she said it provided a chance to work towards creating a healthier region.
We’re aware we have an ageing population and chronic disease is growing in our community.
- Tamworth hospital general manager Catharine Death
“This is an opportunity to work with the community to help manage chronic disease and promote healthier lifestyles,” she said.
Ms Death praised the work of local GPs in providing continued care for the chronically-ill.
She said the advent of tele-health services would help create more “important links” in providing care around the region.
The BHI report looks at 30-day mortality results for heart attacks, strokes caused by blockages and bleeding, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hip fracture surgery.
These conditions make up 10 per cent of all hospitalisations and 30 per cent of all deaths in NSW public hospitals.