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24 March 2009
Prevention better than cure on April Falls Day
St George and Sutherland Hospital staff will be putting their best foot
forward on April Falls Day to highlight the importance of preventing falls in
the elderly.
St George Hospital’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Trauma, Associate Professor Kate
Curtis said injury prevention in the over 65-year age group is paramount as
figures show there has been a considerable increase in falls-related injuries
over the past three years.
More than 1,010 patients in the over 65-year age group presented to St George
Hospital with a falls-related injury in 2007/08, compared to 840 in 2005/06 – an
increase of 21 per cent. While at Sutherland Hospital there was an increase of
67 per cent of patients treated, with 672 patients receiving treatment in
2007/08 compared to 402 in 2005/06.
"When an active elderly person falls at home and is admitted to hospital, they
are often immobilised by their injuries. This can lead to severe restrictions in
activity and social interaction and can reduce the quality of a person’s life,"
Professor Curtis said.
"Pre-existing health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart and lung disease and
diabetes, as well as certain medications often complicate the patient’s
management when they are hospitalised," she said.
"Some simple measures, both in the home and the hospital setting can provide a
safer environment for people of all ages," Professor Curtis said.
"Poor lighting, slippery floor mats, ill-fitting shoes, loose clothing, clutter
and trip hazards are some examples of risks that can lead to serious injury,"
she said.
Sutherland and St George Hospital Volunteer Coordinator Linda Vari said
volunteers are recruited as part of the Falls Prevention Program in the Aged
Care Wards to assist with the prevention of patient falls.
"The role of volunteers is to act as companion-observers to patients and results
have shown that the presence of volunteers contribute to a significant reduction
in falls, and therefore, associated injury," Ms Vari said.
To raise awareness of falls prevention, nursing and allied health staff will man
information stands in the foyers of St George and Sutherland Hospitals on 1
April.
As part of St George Hospital’s Trauma Service Injury Prevention Program, a free
one-day Injury Prevention Seminar for seniors is held regularly at St George
Leagues Club.
For information on the next Injury Prevention Seminar call 9113 3499, for
enquiries about becoming a volunteer in the Falls Prevention Project, call 9540
7251 or 9113 2726.
Media enquiries: South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health
Media Officer Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776
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