Praise for plans to stop falls

Pioneering schemes in County Durham to cut the level of falls among older people, have been praised by the government.

Health Minister Stephen Ladyman, said measures introduced in East Durham were on their way to reducing the number of falls by half.

In one of the projects, about 250 elderly residents in the Easington area were given special slippers.

In another scheme falls at night have been prevented by giving people in Easington automatic night-lights.

Mr Ladyman congratulated the Easington Primary Care HNS Trust for its pioneering work.

'Excellent example'

Up to 14,000 people a year die in the UK as a result of a hip fracture, whilst 50% of older people who fall over can no longer live independently.

The NHS spends £1.7bn a year on treating fractures from falling.

Mr Ladyman added: "Falls are bad news all round. Bad news for older people and bad news for the NHS.

"These projects are excellent examples of how, since the establishment of a National Service Framework for Older people two years ago, the NHS, local councils, voluntary and independent sector partners are working together to provide improved services for older people.

"Reducing admissions to hospital will save the NHS money and free up capacity for other patients."

The special slippers cut the number of falls by 53% in their first month of use.