This week (18 - 24 Sept) marks Falls Prevention Week, and the BBP is keen to highlight the work of the Falls Prevention Accelerator Programme.
More than 3,000 people attended West Middlesex Hospital following a fall-related incident between July 2021 and June 2022, and the ‘Public health Outcomes Framework’ (Fingertips) recognised that falls incidents in Hounslow were the highest out of all the London Boroughs for people aged 65-79 years (2020-21). The BBP Frailty Board continues to review this data monthly for a more current picture. View the dashboard here.
To support these residents the BBP identified Falls Prevention as an Accelerator programme which is working to achieve the following:
- To support the delivery of a whole system and community coordinated approach to preventing falls, by delivering a service that is clinically lead, but supported by a wider information and advice service.
The new Falls prevention referral pathway went live on 30 January 2023 for those at risk of falling and those who have experienced a fall.
- All referrals go through a single clinical referral pathway.
- All referrals are assessed by a clinician.
- Patients will be seen within the clinic or referrals will be made for the appropriate support:
- E.g., Home Safety Team, SDEC, Physio, Occupational therapy, dietitian, oral health, hearing/speech therapy, strength & balance classes, home safety assessments, home fire safety assessments, social prescribers.
The Hounslow Falls Prevention and Bone Health Service is delivered by HRCH and works in partnership with the Frailty Team at West Middlesex Hospital and the Home Safety Team within the London Borough of Hounslow.
The service aims to reduce the rate and risk of falls and fragility fractures amongst Hounslow adults, and to improve the health and mobility of older people and sustain their independence.
It is designed for people aged 65+ who felt they are at risk of falling, afraid of falling, or have had occasional or recurrent falls. It aims to be preventive, helping people to understand what makes them more likely to fall and how to reduce their risk of falling. The service will also see those who are aged 50+ for bone health management where there is an increased risk of fragility fracture.
For more information on Falls and Bone health, please visit https://