NHS plan for elderly could save 800 lives.

NHS plan for elderly could save 800 lives

Extract:

"Preventing falls and looking after patients' needs better after an accident could stop 4,000 hip fractures a year and save strategic health authorities millions of pounds, it says.

The study, by Prof Ian Philp, the National Director for Older People, sets out how health and social care services need to change to take care of the increasingly elderly population.

It highlights a scheme operated by the North East Ambulance Service where every ambulance officer was issued with a "falls assessment form". In 18 months the number of falls dropped by 23 per cent.

Under the scheme a handyman was given access to people's homes to secure carpets, move furniture or install handrails. Patients suffering from fainting, poor eyesight or brittle bones were referred to a consultant.

The service also used computer programmes to identify "fall hot-spots" such as uneven pavements or paths that were not gritted in winter, and then asked local councils to take action."

Sounds a good idea.