Preventing falls

Falls in hospital can occur due to the unfamiliar environment, when you are feeling unwell and when you are taking certain medications.

Before you come to hospital

Make sure you bring the following items with you for your hospital stay:

Your glasses
Your hearing aids
Your walking stick or frame (labelled with your name)
Comfortable flat non-slip shoes with laces or Velcro to fasten them on your feet
Your current medications and tablets - these will be checked while you are in hospital

Choosing safe footwear to prevent falls

Footwear plays an important role in reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls. This patient information brochure highlights key features to look for when choosing safe shoes.

Choose appropriate footwear

The right footwear can help reduce your risk of falling.

Your ideal footwear for safe movement should:

fasten securely with laces, Velcro or buckles
have a firm midsole and heel cup for stability
fit properly in length and width without pressing on the toes
include a low, wide heel to improve balance
have slip‑resistant soles with visible tread

While you are in hospital

Please let us know if you:

have had any falls in the last year
have difficulty with your feet or legs, or problems with your balance
are more drowsy, confused or dizzy
have times when you need to go to the toilet urgently

You or your family or carer can use the patient bedside whiteboard to share information or ask questions while staying in hospital.

To help prevent falls while you are in hospital:

Ask your nurse, doctor and treating team to discuss your risk of falls and individual falls prevention plan
Call, don't fall. Call us if you need help when moving or walking. Ask staff for assistance and wait until they come to help you
Look out for hazards that may cause a fall, such as spills and clutter and tell staff about them promptly
Take your time when getting up from sitting or lying down and let staff know if you feel unwell or unsteady on your feet
Wear comfortable non-slip shoes that fit you well