• New campaign at Royal Bolton Hospital to prevent patient falls on wards
• ‘Call Don’t Fall’ highlights steps people can take reduce risk of falling
• Patients encouraged to speak to staff for extra support if they have worries about falls

A new campaign is being launched at Royal Bolton Hospital to help reduce the number of patient falls on wards.

‘Call Don’t Fall’ aims to raise awareness of the steps patients and their loved ones can take to prevent falls whilst they’re in hospital.

As part of the campaign, advice is being shared across the hospital’s digital information screens, website and social media channels.

This includes:

• Using call bells before getting out of chairs or beds.
• Being aware of the effect new medication can have on blood pressure, causing people to feel lightheaded when they stand.
• Taking into account unfamiliar hospital surroundings.
• Making use of walking aids such as sticks or frames.
• Wearing slippers or non-slip socks.

Joy Redwood, Enhanced Care Lead at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

For some of our more vulnerable patients, falling whilst in hospital can have a really big impact on their health and wellbeing and can often increase the amount of time they spend in hospital and away from the comfort of their own home.

“We want to do everything we can to make sure all of our patients are safe and feel supported when in hospital, which is why we’re launching our ‘Call Don’t Fall’ campaign to highlight some of the really easy steps people can take to avoid falling.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve safety on our wards and we’re encouraging people to reach out to our staff if they have any concerns or worries about falls.

The campaign launch comes as Bolton NHS Foundation Trust marks Falls Prevention Awareness Week (15-19 September), a national health campaign observed on the first day of fall to increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention.

This year’s theme is “From Awareness to Action”, to underline the fact that falls are not a normal part of ageing. Most falls can be prevented and older adults have the power to reduce their risk of falling. Maintaining physical activity and boosting fitness levels are a key part of reducing the risk of falls.