Age concern over fall stats
More than 6000 OAPs rushed to A& E
More than 6000 pensioners have been rushed to A& E in Ayrshire after falling.
Latest figures show that the 6142 patients taken to emergency departments were aged between 65 and 75 plus.
Most of the elderly victims ( 68 per cent) were over 75 when they tumbled to the ground.
And those aged over 75 had to stay in hospital for more than a week on average.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran has released the statistics covering the period 2017/ 2018 as part of its Falls Prevention and Management report.
And it warned that a fall can be the first sign of a “new or worsening health problem”.
It said there is a “high incidence of falls among older people in Ayrshire”, with the potential for serious consequences of death, disease and decline in quality of life.
There is a drive to reduce the risk of falls by encouraging people to improve their health, fitness and self care. People at risk of falling are identified and intervention is carried out to minimise dangers.
The report said that responding to a person who has just fallen and requires immediate assistance is “critical” and is the key priority. Scottish Ambulance staff and community alarm or the Telecare staff are responsible for rushing to the aid of those who have stumbled and taken a tumble.
But the report warned that there was more work to do.
It said there are “complexities and cultural challenges” in carrying out standard procedures for responding to an “older person who has fallen that reflect the national picture.”
The report added: “Many falls and fractures can be prevented by wellorganised services and organisations working in partnership.
“Falls prevention and management is not the preserve of one profession, service or organisation.”
It added: “Given the aging population with multimorbidity, frailty and poly- pharmacy, reducing or maintaining the number of people attending with a fall, is challenging and requires continued focus.”
The Falls Prevention and Management Report was presented to the most recent NHS Ayrshire & Arran Health Board meeting.