HUDDERSFIELD people are being urged: Help us provide a better service for patients with broken hips.
The plea comes from hospital chiefs who are taking part in a national project.
Each health trust is concentrating on one aspect of hospital services.
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust is homing in on the information given to patients with broken hips after they leave hospital.
About 12 patients a week are admitted to hospitals in Huddersfield and Halifax with suspected broken hips.
Podiatrist Helen Woodburn said: "We want patients to be fully equipped with the right information, so they don't suffer another fall.
"And we want to make sure every patient gets the same service, as well as information they can understand."
Patients are being urged to go to two focus meetings to give their ideas. The first patient focus group will be at the Barton Rehabilitation Centre at St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor, from noon to 2pm next Thursday.
The second will be in the Rehabilitation Department of the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday, November 26.
Any patient who has suffered a broken hip can attend.
To book a place on the patient focus group call 01422 222702.
* A broken hip is one of the most common health problems for the elderly.
* Fractures often follow falls and the most likely location of the break is across the neck of the thigh bone, or femur.
* Elderly women suffering osteoporosis or thinning of the bones are the most common victims.
* The chances of suffering this type of fracture doubles roughly every seven years after the age of 65 - one woman in four has suffered a broken hip by the age of 90.
* Recommended first aid for a suspected hip fracture includes immobilisation of the patient's hips by binding the legs together from the feet upwards.
