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Safety

Preventing Falls and Staying Safe While in Hospital

A nurse in blue scrubs warmly engages an older man in a white robe during a consultation, noting details on a clipboard.

The most common reason for falls in hospital is getting out of bed instead of waiting for assistance.

When you arrive your admitting nurse will show you where everything is in your room and bathroom.

 After you operation you may dizzy or weaker and less steady than you expect and therefore at risk of falling. We want to keep you safe and avoid falls and your help is needed to do this.

You can help us by bringing the following things into hospital with you:

  • Well-fitting shoes and / or slippers, preferably flat and non-slip
  • Comfortable clothing, not too long, too tight or too loose
  • Any walking aids you currently use, glasses and hearing aid/s if you use them
What Can You and Your Family Do to Prevent Falls?
  • When you are admitted, provide the attending nurses a complete history of any falls you may have had
  • Become familiar with your surroundings
  • Get to know your bed controls
  • Keep your call bell, glasses, footwear and walking aids within easy reach and use them
  • Ensure you have adequate food and water within easy reach
  • Use the call bell when you want to get out of bed and wait for staff to come. Always ensure your call bell is within reach before the nurse leaves the room
  • Plan your toilet needs so you do not have to rush to the bathroom at the last minute
  • Understand the possible effects of medication
  • Do not ask your family for help to the bathroom whilst you are staying with us, instead ask the nurse for assistance
  • Keep your feet moving while sitting
Before You Get Up
  • Take your time to slowly get up from lying to sitting and then sitting to standing
  • Put your shoes, slippers or non-slip socks on
  • If wearing compression stockings, please use slippers or non-slip socks to avoid slipping
  • Put your glasses on if you have them
While Getting Up and Walking
  • Get your balance before you move away from the bed or chair
  • Use the walking aid that you have been given, do not use the furniture to balance in case it moves
  • Watch for spills or objects in the way and make sure you tell staff about them
  • Let staff know immediately if you feel unsteady
  • Take your time when turning around move your feet in a circle, don’t pivot on the spot
  • Do not pick items up from the floor, ask a nurse for assistance
What is Burnside Hospital Doing to Prevent Falls and Keep You Safe?
  • On admission the nurse will complete an assessment to ensure your needs are met to prevent falls
  • Provide equipment such as handrails throughout the facility including bathrooms
  • Involve allied health professionals such as physiotherapists to improve mobility to help prevent falls
  • Provide equipment aids for use in hospital
  • Checking for environmental hazards and fixing them
  • Providing information about medications, their effects and when they are changed
  • Investigating all falls to identify any opportunities to prevent further incidents happening in the future
A nurse with a blue folder warmly assists an elderly man using a walker, standing safely by his bed in a bright, private hospital room.

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Breast
Colonoscopy
Colorectal
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
Endocrine (incl. thyroid)
Endoscopy
Gastroenterology
Gender Affirmation
General Surgery
Gynaecology
Hand and Wrist Surgery
High Acuity Care
Obstetrics
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Ophthalmic
Oral and Maxillofacial
Orthopaedics
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Short Stay Procedure Unit (Day Surgery)
Sleep Centre
Urology

Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides general information only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific advice regarding your health or medical concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. Burnside Hospital does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. In case of urgent medical needs, please contact your nearest emergency department.

Created: August 2025

Burnside Hospital acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waters on which we live and care for our community.
We recognise their Native Title Rights to Country, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Visit burnsidehospital.asn.au for more information