Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust are taking steps to reduce falls in hospital and improve the well being for patients who use walking frames to help their mobility.
The walking frames are now coloured red, which increases the contrast to the surrounding environment .- helping patients to see the equipment better and encouraging them to use them more.
Falls in hospital are the most commonly reported safety incident, with more than 240,000 reported in acute hospitals across England each year.
All falls, even those that do not result in injury can cause patients and their families and carers to feel anxious and distressed and can have a serious impact on ’their physical and emotional health and confidence. Following a fall, many people have fear of falling again, which can then reduce their quality of life and well being.
Paula Tucker, deputy chief nurse said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the rate of inpatients falls we have begun a trial this week on Nutfield Ward at East Surrey Hospital. There is growing evidence about the benefit of using strong contrasting colours for patients with dementia, as well as those with visual impairment.”
Natalie Mabbutt, physiotherapist said: “We hope to see a reduction in patient falls and an increase in patients using their mobility aids.”
