Key NHS professionals, public health practitioners, social workers and other statutory providers together with community representatives attended a Falls Prevention Workshop on 19 June organised and facilitated by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
The focus of the event was to discuss practical actions to prevent falls in older people and best practice when treating patients, who have had a fall or are at risk of falling.
Over 20 organisations were represented including, Sutton Coldfield Group Practice, Good Hope Hospital, the Birmingham Community Health Care Trust – Physiotherapy and Fall Prevention Team as well as representatives from the voluntary and faith sector including Age Concern Birmingham, the Alzheimer’s Society, Our Place Support and Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church.
Olive O’Sullivan, CEO of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council said, “Supporting older people to remain safe and independent in their own home is a key priority for the Town Council. We know from the work of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership that admission rates at Good Hope Hospital, of older residents from Sutton Coldfield, because of a fall are high. Falls can have a detrimental impact on health outcomes and the quality of life for older people , so it was great to have such a diverse range of professionals, in the room together, to discuss practical ways to reduce the risk of falls and to identify opportunities for closer working between health professionals and the voluntary sector to prevent falls and reduce admissions.”
It was an insightful day and the information gathered will be considered at the Sutton Coldfield Falls Steering Group with Senior NHS and Public Health representatives to deliver on the actions identified.
