What does Pittwater Day Surgery do to reduce your risk of having a fall?

 

Pittwater Day Surgery has updated its Falls Risk Screening, Falls Risk Assessment and Management Plan to support the early identification of patients who may be at risk of a fall.

 

All patients are screened as part of the admission process. Patients identified as being at risk will have a falls risk assessment completed and management plan put in place to help keep them safe during their admission.

 

Since implementing the updated falls screening and at-risk patient identification process, Pittwater Day Surgery has recorded no patient falls for the past three quarters. Falls prevention remains part of our ongoing quality and risk management program, and any falls or related incidents are monitored and reviewed to support patient safety.

 

What can you do to reduce your risk?

 

Anaesthetic, sedation and some medicines can temporarily make you feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed or unsteady, which can increase your risk of having a fall after your procedure.

 

To help reduce your risk of falling while you are at Pittwater Day Surgery, please:

• Always follow staff advice about what you can do safely on your own.

• Ask for help if you need it, or if you feel unsafe, dizzy, light-headed or unsteady on your feet.

• Do not rush. Take your time when moving from lying to sitting, and from sitting to standing.

• Make sure you have your balance before moving away from the bed or chair.

• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for spills, equipment or objects in your way.