Information about preventing falls in hospital

Information for the public

If you are at risk of falling in hospital, a healthcare professional such as a nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist should talk with you and (if you agree) your family and carers about this. They should also provide written information that is suitable for you. They should:

show you how to use the nurse call system, and encourage you to use it when you need help
explain about the things that may make you more likely to fall in hospital
encourage you to be involved in decisions and actions to help reduce your risk of a fall
explain about when you should ask for help before getting up or moving about
tell your family and carers about when bed rails might be used, and how to raise and lower them.