Erin Dean explores a project that has the potential to make huge cost savings for the NHS by cutting the number of accidents on wards

Thousands of patients fall on hospital wards each year, leading to potentially devastating consequences for them and their families. Falls among inpatients usually arise from a complex combination of risk factors, including dementia, delirium, incontinence and medication. This article discusses the FallSafe project that aimed to reduce falls in inpatient settings. The results suggested a 25 per cent reduction in falls on average across the wards involved. The project also had a positive effect on patients and staff. A case study of a staff nurse involved in leading the project on her ward and the care bundle that comprised the project intervention are explored.