Great Western Hospital team helps patients through novel measure

Great Western Hospital team. <i>(Image: GWH)</i>
Great Western Hospital team. (Image: GWH)
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A team at Swindon's hospital has come up with a way to inform people through novel means.

Great Western Hospital has regularly been raising awareness of patients having serious falls, so they created a display using the Autumn colours as in American English, the word for this time of year is fall.

A spokesperson for Great Western Hospital said: "Well done to the team on Mercury ward who won our falls awareness competition.

"Staff across the Trust were challenged to create the most informative - yet aesthetic! - display to highlight what we can all do to prevent patients from being at a risk of a fall, and the team on Mercury themed their display around Autumn, or 'Fall'.

"They showcased suitable walking aids and footwear alongside key steps staff can take to support vulnerable patients including those with dementia or delirium. "

Last month, GWH revealed that it had a 14% reduction in falls on wards.

Other initiatives include specialist care plans for high-risk patients, such as those with dementia and delirium, encouraging mobility, ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, and providing safe footwear.

The team is also conducting interactive education sessions for all staff.

As people in Swindon and Wiltshire are living longer, the NHS is seeing more attendances to urgent and emergency care for patients who have fallen at home.

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