Falls and Risks

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FALL IN HOSPITAL 

• You will be assessed by the medical and nursing team to identify how best to move you from the floor or area where you have fallen and a management plan will then be put in place to support you to move around safely. 

• The medical team will assess you for any injuries, this may involve further tests such as an x-ray, scan or ECG and nursing staff will check your blood pressure, pulse and pupil reaction if required.  

• We will try and establish why you fell, and if we cannot, we will refer you or signpost you to suitable services or information to help you to reduce your risk of falls where appropriate.  

• We will review your care plan, which may identify further falls risk reduction interventions, or change elements of your care to prevent you falling again.  

• We will complete an incident report with all the details of the fall and will inform your family or carers at the earliest available opportunity. 

• If you suffer an injury as a result of your fall, we will investigate what happened to prevent future harm to patients.  

Being in hospital does not mean we can completely prevent falls, but as a Health Board, we are committed to reducing the number of falls and injuries that occur as a result 

While it's not possible to prevent all falls in hospital, working together we can reduce the chance of this happening. Research shows that teamwork among doctors, nurses, and therapists can reduce falls by 20-30%. You and your family can help by being aware of the risks and actions you can take.  

REDUCING FALLS RISKS 

Whilst in hospital, our staff will be looking out for certain things to help keep you safe, such as 

• Ensuring patients can be heard if they need to call for help. 

• Conducting simple vision assessments. 

• Reviewing and adjusting medications if necessary. 

• Providing walking aids if required. 

• Measuring your lying and standing blood pressure. 

• Recognising and screening for delirium and signs of cognitive impairment. 

• Keeping your bedside environment clear from clutter and hazards. 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

• Tell any health care professional involved in your care if you've fallen in the past year. 

• Use your call bell if you have one or ask a member of staff if you need help moving, especially when going to the toilet. 

• Make sure your glasses are clean and used as prescribed. Ask for help if you have trouble seeing. 

• Use your usual walking aid, keep it close by, and check for wear and tear. 

• Never lean on hospital furniture as it’s often on wheels. 

• Sit upright for a few moments before standing and get up slowly. 

• Do simple leg exercises before getting up to get the circulation going. 

• Drink regularly and eat well. If you have a poor appetite, or need assistance with eating and drinking, be sure to let the nurse looking after you know. 

• Make sure your slippers fit well and have good grip.