NHS report to reduce number of patients who fall whilst in hospital
- 25.07.2017
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence
A new report commissioned by the NHS highlights the issue of patients falling and causing themselves harm whilst in hospital.
As part of their work to reduce the number of falls and improve patient safety, the NHS used existing data to provide a picture of the scale of the problem.
The report, the incidence and costs of inpatient falls in hospitals, found that in 2015/16, falls were the most commonly reported type of incident in acute and community hospitals.
However, although patient safety is mentioned as being the focus of the report, the main point highlighted seems to be the costs of falls for the NHS.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:
I was slightly surprised to read the recent campaign being led by NHS Improvements to try and reduce hospital falls. This is something which has been an issue for a while but the focus of the article appears quite unhelpful in being aimed towards minimising the costs incurred by the Trust, rather than being patient focused.
To me, it seems clear that a patient who suffers a fall would ultimately cost the NHS more money as those who are most likely to fall (the over 65s at 77%) can suffer serious injury and harm often requiring longer hospital admissions and potentially further surgery along with other care and treatment.
I do understand that Trusts will be looking at ways to reduce costs and if reducing patient falls can save costs then I am all for it as it ultimately means better care and experiences for patients. However, I feel the aim of the scheme is not aimed so much at improving the experiences for patients and reducing unnecessary harm but rather looking at costs which does not necessarily result in a better patient experience.
The results of the report, according to the NHS show there is variance in the way that falls prevention is being delivered across the providers who took part in the study.
With that in mind, they now aim to improve the quality of reporting and improve assessment, interventions and care when a patient falls in hospital.
Read the case study of our client who died from treatment during stay in hospital after a fall
Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888.