Mersey Care trials initiative to reduce falls with 'Ready, Steady, Go'

Mersey Care is trialling a new dedicated falls prevention campaign which aims to reduce the incidence and impact of falls amongst inpatient services.

National statistics estimate falls cost the NHS around £2.3 billion annually (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) affecting patient physical and psychological wellbeing and independence.

As one of the largest mental and community health trusts in the North West, Mersey Care has structured a three stage exercise programme tailored to patient’s individual needs called ‘Ready, Steady, Go,’ which is being trialled with a view to extending it throughout the Trust.

Alison Smith, Assistant Director of Nursing for Urgent and Digital Care, said: “Falls can be a significant concern both for older people and those who have been immobile for some time. Ready, Steady, Go is designed to build strength, mobility and confidence in stages, reducing the risk of falls and support patients to return and stay home safely.

“We’re excited to see the positive impact this could have across Mersey Care. Supported by nursing and therapy staff, our patients will receive support and resources outlining exercise for each stage, ensuring they are safe and can participate fully in their recovery.”

The programme supports patients to build up their strength, balance and mobility and is being piloted at Longmoor House, a step-down service for patients who have been discharged from hospital but still require care and assessment in a non-acute setting, until they are ready to go home.

The three stages of the exercise programme are:

• Ready – at this initial stage, we will focus on exercises that patients need to undertake while bedbound, to help strengthen their muscles and to improve blood flow
• Steady – at this stage exercises have been designed for patients once they are able to sit up in bed or stand to develop core strength
• Go – the final stage will focus on maximising mobility to prevent deconditioning. There are also vinyl footprints around the wards to create trails for patients to follow. This is to encourage independent walks and interaction with others.  

There are also resources to support patients with the exercises at each stage, alongside support from nurses, therapists and assistants. An evaluation will be conducted following the campaign to see how we can use this in the future.