Rise in over-60s being admitted to A&E for slips, trips and falls

A Freedom of Information request to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust showed the increase in A&E admissions for older residents from 1,807 in 2015 to 2,378 in 2019.

Manchester-based home care provider Trustcare at Trafford Housing Trust received data from 19 northern NHS trusts and found the increase at WWL was one of the biggest.

WWL said slips, trips and falls were a major concern for older Wiganers and the trust is working with other health bodies to provide alternative ways of dealing with such injuries to having to go to A&E.

Deputy chief executive Mary Fleming said: “Slips, trips and falls are a concern for elderly residents in the Wigan borough, and alongside the Healthier Wigan Partnership we are committed to helping to reduce the numbers of patients admitted to our Emergency Care Department with such injuries.

“Nearly half of all people attending A&E in April following a fall were discharged home, that’s why it’s important for everyone to receive the most appropriate care and we urge people to call NHS 111 first so that they can receive help straight away.

“There is a whole team of medical professionals behind NHS 111 who will assess individuals and find the right service for their needs.

“They can also book people into our Emergency Care Department if required.

“At WWL our Therapy and Falls Service can offer advice within a community setting, this includes the falls preventions service which provides assessments, diagnosis and treatment for patients who suffer with unsteadiness and reduced balance.”

Trustcare also says the figures show a need to take pressure off the NHS, particularly given the stress the coronavirus pandemic has placed it under since March last year.

Mick Gallagher, director of independent living, care and support at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “This is a significant increase and clearly illustrates how slips, trips and falls are representing a greater threat to the over 60s, and certainly resulting in larger numbers attending A&E.

“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the strains that our wonderful NHS is under, so we should all be looking into methods and preventative measures and equipment to help minimise the risk and ensure fewer patients end up in hospital.”

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