Uyen Phan, Associate Director Allied Health and Chair of Falls Committee at Northern Health emphasises the importance of fall prevention in hospitals.

“Falls do not only cause significant impact on patients physically and psychologically. It also impacts caregivers and the healthcare system with increased care needs and extended hospital stays,” Uyen explains. “Given this ripple effect, fall prevention should become the responsibility and focus of all.”

Throughout the month, Northern Health and Rauland Australia have joined hands to create different activities aimed at raising awareness. The two partners teamed up to bring to the attention among colleagues and patients at the hospital several initiatives focused on fall mitigation, including having dedicated annunciator displays, handout leaflets and a fall prevention video accessible to staff and patients.

Uyen adds that whilst raising awareness and patient education is important, it is also instrumental for care staff to have the equipment they need to respond timely to patient needs. He highlights how dedicated digital health solutions support NH’s care team in minimising falls by facilitating better communication between carers and patients.