Preventing falls in hospital

Falls can happen in hospital for many reasons. You may be in an unfamiliar place, feeling unwell, be recovering from an illness or operation, or be taking medication that affects balance.

Keeping moving while you are in hospital is important to help you keep your strength and confidence and support your recovery.

There are simple steps you can take to help lower your risk of falling while you are in hospital:

• Ask for help if you feel unsteady or need support to get up.
• Use your walking aid, glasses and hearing aids if you normally need them.
• Wear slippers or shoes that fit well and have non-slip soles.
• Keep your personal belongings close by and easy to reach.
• Turn on the light when moving around, especially at night.
• Take your time when getting out of bed or standing up.
• Tell the staff if you feel dizzy, weak or unwell.

If you are worried about falling, speak to a member of the hospital healthcare team. They can talk with you about ways to help keep you safe during your stay.

OUH have a leaflet on preventing falls in hospital (pdf).

Oxford Health Community Hospital patients

If you are being admitted to one of our Community Hospitals, further information about what to expect and how to prepare for your stay is available on the Oxford Health website. This includes practical information for patients, families and carers before admission.

Carers and families

If someone you support is in hospital, you can help staff understand what is normal for them.

This could include how they usually move, which walking aids or glasses they use, if they have fallen before, and what helps them feel safe.

Ask staff how you can help them move safely and plan for leaving hospital.