Falls-related injuries can include minor skin abrasions, joint dislocation, fractures and head injuries. These injuries may result in hospitalisation or an increased length of stay in hospital.

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The risk of falling can greatly increase when admitted to hospital due to a range of factors including illness and unsteadiness, adapting to a new environment, the introduction of new medications and walking in unsafe footwear or slippers.

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Western Hospital has systems and processes in place to identify patients at risk of falls, using specific criteria and tools to risk assess our patients and then put in place a number of strategies to minimise falls whilst in hospital. We do this by educating our staff to ensure that the patient’s call button and personal items are in reach; that call bells are attended to promptly; that patients are assisted to the toilet at regular intervals; and that patients have the appropriate walking aids.

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