News
Hollywood Private Hospital launches falls prevention campaign
Apr 05, 2022
Hollywood Private Hospital has launched a falls prevention campaign as part of April No Falls.
The aim of the national April No Falls event is to educate and raise awareness of falls prevention and help those at risk of falling to stay on their feet.
Clinical Quality Officer Nicola Baillie said falls were a huge concern not only in hospitals, but in the wider community.
Falls were the leading cause of injury hospitalisations in 2019, contributing to 22.5% of all injury hospitalisations in Australia. 1
“Falls can cause significant harm and are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and increased lengths of stay, particularly in the ageing population,” Ms Baillie said.
“While most falls cause no injury, some can cause serious harm.
“Falls can also make you fear further falls and make it harder for you to remain independent.”
Ms Baillie said there were many reasons why patients were at risk of falling in hospital.
“Medication or fatigue can affect a patient’s balance, it is an unfamiliar environment and they may not be as fit or steady on their feet as usual,” Ms Baillie said.
Falls in hospital can be prevented through risk assessment, using evidence-based practice guidelines and supporting patients with an individual care plan designed to suit their needs and ultimately reduce their risk of falls.
Falls prevention strategies at Hollywood include:
- A Falls Prevention and Cognitive Impairment Committee - that meets every two months to review falls data and identify opportunities for improvement
- Staff training - in falls prevention & management
- Falls prevention information brochures
- Tailored care plans - for patients at risk of falling
- Falls prevention education sessions - run by an occupational therapist on rehabilitation wards
- Individual and group sessions - with physiotherapists to work on mobility, strength and balance
“At Hollywood our goal is to reduce the number of falls and minimise harm from falls,” Ms Baillie said.
There are also programs at Ramsay Health Plus for members of the community who are at risk of falling to improve balance, strength and confidence.
For more information about falls prevention visit: www.ramsayhealthplus.com.au/Treatment-Plans/Falls-and-Balance
1 www.stayonyourfeet.com.au/health-professionals/falls-facts/#:~:text=A%20Western%20Australian%20died%20every,falls%2Drelated%20admission%20in%202019
Clinical Nurse Manager Tracey Sariago with Gowramma Kaushik (102).