Stay Upright During 'No Falls Month'

DDHHS chief executive officer
Dr Peter Bristow

March 31, 2014

The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) will be reminding staff, patients and visitors about the dangers of falls during April.

“April No Falls 2014” is part of a national initiative to raise awareness of falls, and help those at risk to stay on their feet.

“Falls are a great concern as they can be very detrimental to a person’s confidence, independence and quality of life,” DDHHS chief executive Dr Peter Bristow said.

“Under the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, Standard 10 is ‘Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls’.

“At present DDHHS is focused on the effective implementation of the standards, so with this in mind we are very supportive of the April No Falls activities being undertaken at each of the DDHHS’s 23 facilities.”

The April No Falls campaign promotes the positive, healthy, active, ‘Stay on Your Feet’ message that is important for everyone over 40 yeas of age.

It is particularly important for those who care for older friends and family members, or people over 65, whose risk of falling is greater.

DDHHS South Burnett quality officer Julia Byrne said facilities were getting on board to promote the April No Falls message.

“We are providing posters and information to be displayed in the foyers of all DDHHS hospitals and residential aged care facilities in the South Burnett,” she said.

“Community health nursing teams in Murgon and Wondai, Proston, Goomeri and Nanango are developing specific programs targeted at the over 50s, with weekly community activities held in conjunction with local pharmacies.

“Orange is the colour associated with the ‘Stay on Your Feet’ message so there will be plenty of orange to see in foyers throughout the area during April.

“Given the potential injuries and detrimental long-term effects of falls, we see this as an extremely important initiative and we look forward to raising falls awareness.”

Community activities to promote “April No Falls 2014” will be held on: