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This page explains the important role you play in helping to reduce falls, advice on things that you can do, as well as advice for your relatives, carers and friends. 

Why do people fall in Hospital? 

There are a variety of reasons why someone might fall whilst in hospital. Some of the most common reasons for falling include:  

  • Lack of strength or balance whilst walking, being unsteady 
  • Recovering from illness or surgery 
  • Loss of vision and hearing 
  • Foot problems  
  • Medication related falls 
  • Memory problems / confusion 
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood pressure / dizziness
  • Needing the bathroom
  • Being in an unfamiliar environment

Can we prevent falls? 

Not all falls can be prevented, but we will do everything we can to minimise your risk of falling while you are in hospital. Staff will talk to you about your risks after you’re admitted and will create a falls prevention care plan. 

What can you do to prevent falls in hospital?

Always:

  • Use your call bell and wait for assistance. 
  • Use your walking aid, if you need one, when moving about.
  • Follow the advice given to you by staff and try to always take the opportunity to mobilise when offered. 
  • Wear flat, well-fitting footwear or non-slip socks. 
  • Wear your glasses / hearing aids, if you need them. 
  • Ensure your glasses are clean. 
  • Keep personal items in reach and accessible.
  • Look out for trip hazards including drips and catheters.
  • Drink fluids and eat regularly.
  • Stand up slowly. 
  • Sit down if you feel dizzy or unwell.
  • Take care in the bathroom and toilet – always call the bell for assistance.

Never:

  • Lean on hospital furniture, as it is often unstable / has wheels.  
  • Walk around in socks or stockings. (We provide non-slip socks, so please ask) 

Guidance for Visitors, Carers and Friends 

  • Let us know if you think your relative / friend is at risk of falling or if they have fallen at all in the last year. 
  • If your friend or relative is confused and not their normal self or has dementia please bring it to our attention.  
  • Help keep the bedside clear. You can help by putting away chairs after visiting and (with the patient's permission) taking home unnecessary belongings.  
  • Check personal belongings such as glasses are within reach.
  • Ensure that when you leave, the patient knows you are leaving, and the call bell is within reach. Encourage them to use the call bell for assistance when needed.  
  • Bring in well-fitting clothing and lightweight footwear with rubber soles for the patient to wear (not open-backed slippers or high-heeled shoes).  
  • Report any potential hazards on the ward (such as spills of liquid) to staff. 
  • If bed rails are in place, do not raise or lower them without seeking the advice of the nursing staff. 

Frimley Health is working hard to reduce the number of falls that occur in hospital.

As a hospital we have several measures in place to reduce the risk of falls, these include: 

  • Guidelines for staff to follow when a patient is at risk of falls. 
  • Self-training programmes 
  • Risk assessments 

Further Information

Further information on staying steay and reducing your risk of falling can be found at the Age UK Website www.ageuk.org.uk or contacting their AGE UK advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days per year.

Any concerns?

We are here to help-Our Call 4 Concern service helps families escalate concerns of clinical deterioration if they feel they have not been alleviated after first speaking to the nurse in charge, and the responsible medical team. 

You can keep up to date on X (formerly Twitter) #call4concern for more information, or speak to a member of the Rapid Response Team on:

Frimley Park: 07768 131 445
Wexham Park: 07887 292 886

About this information

Reference:
DD/007

Approval date:
20 December 2024

Review date:
1 December 2027

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.