Help us improve Falls Prevention services
Birmingham health bosses are seeking the views of people across the city who have been affected by falls or fractures in the last three years.
Falls prevention is a key priority for Birmingham Public Health and a review has been launched to assess current services and see where improvements might be made.
Running until 9 January 2015, the review will help shape future falls prevention services in Birmingham.
https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/people-1/slips-trips-and-falls-service-user-feedback
Nationally, falls cost the NHS and social care an estimated £6m per day or £2.3bn per year. Around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.
In Birmingham it is estimated there are 18,000 falls per year of people aged over 65 years, and while most falls do not result in serious injury, there is a risk of problems such as broken bones.
Falls can also have an adverse psychological impact on elderly people. For example, after having a fall some people can lose confidence, become withdrawn and may feel as if they have lost their independence.
Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr John Cotton, said: “We shouldn’t underestimate the hugely damaging impact a fall can have on someone’s life. It can mean a loss of confidence and independence, resulting in isolation and vulnerability.
“But falls in many cases are avoidable, by making simple changes to your home and doing special exercises, so we’re keen to work with people who have experienced falls, with their carers and their families, to improve prevention work in Birmingham.”
To contribute to the review:
Complete the online version via the Be Heard website: https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/people-1/slips-trips-and-falls-service-user-feedback
or
Request copies of the questionnaire and pre-paid return envelopes by contacting Shazia Akram admin@birminghamnewsroom.com 0121 303 4684 or Debbie Bowen admin@birminghamnewsroom.com 0121 303 4029.
