Report on injuries sustained by in-patients in falls at Mayo hospital
A total of 22 in-patients have sustained injuries as a result of falls at Mayo University Hospital since January of this.
Thirteen of the incidents occurred as a result of a patient falling from their bed.
There were seven incidents in which patients fells from chairs and two falls from trolleys were recorded.
Concerns relating to the issue had been raised by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, a member of the HSE West Forum.
In a report on the matter, Tony Canavan, CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group, said falls management in the hospital is informed by the safe mobility policy which outlines the multidisciplinary approach to reducing the risk of patients falling in hospital, while also striving to optimise their level of mobility and independence.
He stated: The MUH Falls Prevention and Management Committee oversee the delivery of staff education on falls management practices and the use of fall management resources in this area.
"They strive to ensure that policies and practices are in line with international best practice, they audit adherence to the safe mobility policy and provide progress reports to HMT bi-monthly.
"All patients admitted to MUH have an individualised falls risk assessment completed on admission.
"Based on this assessment the staff apply control measures to manage the risks identified.
"All wards have a number of low level entry beds that reduce the risk of injury should a patient fall from a bed.
"Bed rail assessments are carried out for patients that are at risk from falling out of bed to determine whether bed rails will prevent falling or in some cases increase the falls risk.
"We have a variety of alarms that can be attached to bedside chairs and beds that will alert nursing staff to patients attempting to mobilise independently.
"These are often used for confused patients that are less aware of their mobility limitations.
"A number of Bedside chairs are height adjustable so that they can be tailored for individual needs.
"High visibility bed spaces are used (where available) for patients who require more frequent observation by staff.
"OT referrals are completed for complex cases where specialised seating is required.
"Patients who have difficulty getting up from a chair or a bed are seen by physiotherapists who can provide walking aids and assistance with this and interventions to improve their general mobility.
"Those patients who are deemed to be at higher risk of falling are discussed at every staff handover and safety pause to ensure staff communication is optimised.
"Family members are occasionally asked to sit with patients who are at higher risk of falling due to cognitive difficulties, this can help patients suffering from delirium or dementia for whom the hospital environment can be very challenging.
"Patients are provided with education on managing falls risks associated with being in acute hospital.
"Those patients with inappropriate footwear are provided with non-slip socks.
"Ongoing efforts are made to keep patients walking and functioning as independently as possible while in hospital to prevent the deconditioning associated with hospitalisation.
"This is in keeping with the international campaign: “Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Moving."
"As part of this initiative the hospital has a designated walkway on the first floor to provide a purpose built area for patients to walk, exercise and interact with family while in hospital.
"Falls incidents are reviewed both in the clinical areas where they occur and monthly by falls management committee to identify areas to improve practice and prevent further falls.
"Managing falls risk while also striving to prevent deconditioning among frail inpatients remains challenging.
"This challenge is being addressed by the ongoing work of Nursing, Medical, AHP and support staff in education, audit and care delivery in this area."