.

How you can reduce your risk of falling in hospital

Statistically a small but significant proportion of patients do suffer falls in hospital and some will injure themselves as a result. This is thought to be due to the fact that the layout of the ward is unfamiliar and most people are in the hospital because they are unwell.

What can you expect

  • We will ensure a safe environment for you
  • We will assess your mobility needs and refer you to the appropriate professional
  • All staff adhere to Moving and Handling guidance and will use appropriate moving and handling aids, such as hoists, to assist you as required
  • Staff will explain how the equipment works and how they will use the equipment
  • As part of your admission process you have been asked some questions to see how high your risk of falling in hospital is. If you have been assessed as someone who may be at risk of having a fall, we would like to work with you, your relatives and your carers to reduce this risk and prevent a fall happening during your hospital stay and in the future.

How you can help to reduce your risk of a fall:

  • Ask for help from the staff
  • Do use your call bell and wait to get assistance if needed 
  • Allow plenty of time to get to the toilet or commode.If you are unsteady, please ask for help and wait for assistance to get off the toilet or commode. Please inform the staff if you need a commode or urinal bottle at night, due to being unsteady or not able or confident to walk alone.
  • Tell a nurse or doctor if you feel faint, dizzy or generally unwell
  • Work with the therapists to improve your strength and balance and perform daily tasks safely
  • Use your own walking stick or frame, ask staff to have it checked by a therapist
  • Always wear well fitting shoes or slippers when walking
  • If you have a hearing aid please ensure you wear it. If it's not working properly, please ask the staff to have it checked
  • If you have spectacles, please ensure you wear them and ask for help to clean them if you need to
  • Please rest when you are tired
  • Always try to eat and drink regularly
  • Inform staff if you see any hazards such as spillages
  • Please put your bedside light on if you need to get up at night
  • Please keep your bed area tidy and free from clutter, if you can.