Falls Prevention in Hospital

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is working to reduce the number of falls that occur in hospital.

They may happen for several reasons, including general weakness, new medication, sudden changes in health leading to admission, confusion and disorientation.

This leaflet has been developed to let you know what we are doing to reduce falls, and what you can do to help.

What we are doing

We have introduced a number of measures, in line with national guidance, to reduce the number of falls.  These include:

• Assessing whether a patient is felt to be at risk of falls
• Addressing known risk factors that can lead to falls
• Ensuring that the patient has an appropriate walking aid
• Regular Falls Action Group meetings to raise awareness and share learning
• Ensuring that the environment is as safe as possible
• Responding to hazards brought to our attention.

How you can help – advice for patients

• Use the call bell for assistance if you feel weak or dizzy
• Wear non-slip, well-fitting shoes or slippers
• Use the walking aid given to you by your physiotherapist. If you use one at home, please ask for it to be brought in
• Get up from your chair and bed slowly to let your blood pressure adjust
• Do not use hospital furniture e.g. bed tables, to help you get up as they often have wheels.

How you can help – advice for relatives

If you are a relative, friend or carer you can help the patients and staff by:

• Sharing information on any previous falls
• Bring in well-fitting clothing and supportive shoes
• Bring in any walking aids, spectacles and hearing aids that may have been left at home
• Let staff know of any spills, trailing wires or obstacles
• Take unnecessary bags etc home
• Place the nurse call bell within reach as you leave.

Some patients will still fall even when we do all of the things mentioned in this leaflet. Each fall is investigated to see if any further preventative action can be taken, to reduce the risk of any further falls. We are unable to prevent all falls, but we do want to work with you to reduce the number of patient falls.

Useful websites

If you would like further information, these contacts may be useful:

NHS website – falls information
www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Get up and go – A guide to staying steady: www.csp.org.uk/publications/get-go-guide-staying-steady-english-version

Age Concern
www.ageconcern.org.uk

Help the Aged
www.helptheaged.org.uk

About this leaflet

Author: K. Rourke, Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Written: July 2022
Reviewed: Laura Foot, Matron for Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (Falls Action Group Chair)
Approved: April 2025
Review date: April 2028
Edition: 4

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk