(November 25th 2025) Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has been recognised with the inaugural Most Improved Performance Award in relation to the Irish Hip Fracture Standards, presented by the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA).
This award acknowledges the significant progress made by TUH in improving the care journey for hip fracture patients. The hospital’s multidisciplinary hip fracture team, spanning the Emergency Department team, orthopaedic surgeons, orthogeriatric specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, patient flow, occupational therapists, dietitians and anaesthetist colleagues have worked together to refine processes and deliver better outcomes for patients.
Key initiatives driving improvement include:
- Hip Bleep system to alert trauma ward staff of incoming hip fracture patients.
- Streamlined admission pathway prioritising early assessment, bed allocation, and pain management.
- Seven-day physiotherapy service ensuring compliance with national standards.
- Orthogeriatric service providing comprehensive geriatric assessments, including falls, bone health, and delirium screening.
Commenting on the award Barbara Keogh Dunne, CEO of the Hospital said:“This award is a testament to our hospital strategy in action, teamwork, innovation and compassionate care. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and to ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of treatment. Congratulations to everyone involved in this collective effort.”
Professor Tara Coughlan, Consultant Orthogeriatrician at TUH who leads the hip fracture team, added: “This success is the result of sustained collaboration across disciplines. By refining our processes and focusing on the patient journey, we have made meaningful improvements that directly benefit patients.”
The Hospital remains committed to building on this achievement, using audit data to drive further enhancements in hip fracture care and ensuring every patient receives safe, timely, and compassionate treatment.
