The nurse who stops us falling apart
Ursula Abiodun has first-hand experience of how a fall can knock your confidence after coming off her bicycle.
It’s a mental and physical challenge she sees every day among patients whose age or condition makes them vulnerable to falling.
The trust reported more than 400 incidents in the last quarter and
Ursula’s role as the trust’s clinical nurse specialist (falls) is to minimise the risk of it happening again.
Ursula said: "It can really knock people’s confidence, especially when they are older, and can happen for a variety of reasons, such as cognitive impairment or low blood pressure.
“This can lead to a vicious circle for people who then become less active which leads to weaker muscles, which leads to a greater risk of falling again.
“A lot of my work is around education and working with colleagues like therapists and GPs to ensure these people are less prone to falling in and outside hospital.”
Over 65s and those whose condition puts them at greater risk of falls, such as multiple sclerosis and dementia, are automatically subject to an Adult Inpatient Assessment tool on admission to hospital which includes falls related questions.
Ursula added: “A typical day includes checking on admissions who have been highlighted as a potential risk as well as reviewing datix reports of falls that have happened in hospital.
“We also have a Falls Champion meeting where various specialisms meet to discuss individuals’ cases and the best possible support.”
A recent initiative to help raise awareness is ‘Yellow Socks’ where patients at risk of falls are identified by wearing yellow socks, wrist bands and blankets.
“The key to reducing the incidence of falls is greater awareness and education among patients and staff."