Falls Prevention

If you fall while you are in hospital, you could be injured and need to stay longer. Most falls happen when people are getting in or out of their bed, their bedside chair or going to the toilet.

• We want you to be as safe as possible while in our care.

• We do not want you to fall and hurt yourself while you are in hospital.

• It's okay to ask for help if you need it.

Doing these, while in hospital, things will help to keep you from losing your balance or falling over

	Keep important items within reach, including your call button or call bell.
	Take your time when you get up. Call one or our friendly staff if you feel dizzy, weak, or light-headed - don't get up by yourself.
	Ask us for help getting to the bathroom or toilet, and use the bell there to ask for help if you don't feel well, or when you are ready to go back.
	Take extra care on wet or slippery floors.
	Watch out for any clutter or obstacles in your way, and ask one or our team to move them.
	Use the handrails in the bathroom and hallway.
	Use only unmoving objects to help steady yourself. Don't use your IV pole, tray table, wheelchair, or other objects that can move.
	If you have glasses, hearing aids or walking aids, use them.
	Wear well-fitting shoes or non-skid slippers every time you get up. If you need assistance, ask for help to put them on.
	Make sure your clothing is not too long or too loose - it might trip you up.
	At night, turn on the light before you get out of bed, and turn on the light in the toilet.

 

Reducing Harm from Falls video

The following video has been produced by the Health Quality & Safety Commission, launched as part of its national patient safety campaign.  It covers a range of topics, preventing falls in hospital, staying safe on your feet at home, preventing falls in an aged residential care facility and staying on your feet in the community.

For more information visit: www.hqsc.govt.nz

 

Visit our Quality & Patient Safety page