BHB to host free Falls Prevention Mini Expo

Monday 18 September 2023: Falls can be a serious health risk, particularly for the elderly. On Thursday, Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) will celebrate international Falls Prevention Awareness Week with a mini expo for staff and the public.

BHB addresses falls risk proactively for all our patients, with internationally recognised screening assessments. While we do not have local statistics, the UK’s National Health Service reports that one in three people over 65 falls each year, with half of seniors over 80 falling. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than one in four adults over 65 fall each year, with one in five falls resulting in serious injury.

At Thursday’s Falls Prevention Mini Expo, the BHB Long Term Care unit-based quality and safety teams invite the public to learn about the risks of falling and what they can do to prevent it.

“Falls are a very common cause of injury,” says registered nurse Maxine Simmons. “As clinical manager of Gordon Unit, one of our four long-term care units at BHB, I am aware of the impact a fall can have on our patient’s health and recovery. As our clients are older adults, their risk of falling is greater than the general population.

“Our units have come together this year to raise awareness and encourage the public to protect themselves from falling.”

“The theme for Falls Prevention Awareness Week this year is From Awareness to Action,” says Christine Bogle-Meinzer, clinical manager of Curtis Long Term Care Unit.

“We will be equipping the public with actions they can take to help prevent them from falling.

“We also know that many older people may not tell their doctor or family members when they’ve experienced a fall. We will share why it’s important not to hide these events.”

The Falls Prevention Mini Expo will take place on Thursday 21 September from 2-5:30pm in The Resource Centre on the ground floor of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s General Wing. The event is free to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

“We encourage the public to attend our mini expo, speak with the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, watch the short videos, and take the factsheets to have the information close at hand for easy reference,” said Lynnette Bean, vice president of quality and patient safety. “Falls prevention is an important part of maintaining good health.”

Falls Prevention Mini Expo – FLYER SEP2023

Archives