Falls service in West Essex helps more than 2,500 patients in two years
The Falls Response Unit helps patients in the Harlow and Epping area
A Falls Response Unit in West Essex has helped more than 2,500 patients since it was launched two years ago.
The service aims to reach patients within two hours if there has been a fall.
The team uses specialist equipment to lift and move patients, and will treat them for any injuries if it is needed.
The service can be used by any West Essex resident, if they are registered with a local GP.
Greatest Hits Radio Essex News spoke to Matthew Sisto, Director of Patient Experience at the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. He said:
"Falls are fairly common, particularly for those who are experiencing older age and frailty.
"Having a service like this is really important to alleviate some of the pressure that we're experiencing on the ambulance services, but also to ensure that people have the care that they need at the right time."
The service runs from 8am to 8pm, and can help arrange for a patient to be taken to hospital:
"When they arrive, they will assess the physical health and and the needs of the person that's had the fall. And they'll work out how best to get that person up. And of course, if they need to be taken to hospital, they'll they'll arrange that too."
"The majority of the calls are from people that are at home."
"One of the key things that the Falls Response Unit does when they do attend a person's house, they'll assess the person's physical health risk of any future falls and make sure they have all the additional care and equipment they need and refer them to other community services where necessary."
Matthew also said that "there is no better feeling" than being able to help people in need.
"It's why I work in the NHS."
"To support people in their time of need and help them move forward is a real special privilege."