Delivering the best possible care – falls 

Our staff are committed to providing safe, high-quality care. To make sure this is happening, we measure a range of 'clinical indicators' at least weekly, and often each day.

For example, we look at the number of patients who have a fall or a pressure ulcer while in our care.

Many of our patients are frail, and some will be suffering from dementia or other forms of confusion. There is a risk that patients will have a fall while in our care but we do all that we can to prevent this.

What's the standard?

We set our own local targets for both our hospital and community services as part of our quality priorities – see our quality accounts.

We also report on falls as part of the national NHS safety thermometer scheme.

How are we doing?

Our recent performance:

• March 2017 – 5 falls that caused a patient moderate or severe harm
• February – 1
• January – 1.

We work hard to avoid patients falling as this is very distressing and can lead to a fracture in some cases.

Practical help includes providing our patients with anti-slip socks, pyjama bottoms that come in different lengths, and safety advice as part of our hospital welcome pack.  

The number of falls, including the number of falls that result in a fracture, are reducing – but any avoidable fall is one too many.

A specialist team provides advice to staff about the best way to prevent falls and looks at how we can improve our care.

How you can help us

Our staff are here to help you. Hospital patients are encouraged to use the call bell to ask for help when they need it. If you are worried or frightened of falling, please speak to the staff caring for you.

Do try to wear good fitting shoes or slippers, or the anti-slip socks that we provide. If you have a walking aid, please use it, or ask us if you think you need a walking aid.

Got a question?

If you have a question about or comment on this information, please contact the communications team at communicationsteam@gstt.nhs.uk.