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Care Opinion

Fall prevention

Posted By Evidenced Based Care

"Fall prevention"

About: Peter James Centre

(as a relative),

After two falls from a bed that can be lowered, it seemed my relative was left unattended in the raised position. I believe the fall protection floor mats were removed when the bed is up and in place when the bed is down.

At Peter James Centre (PJC) the nursing staff have instructed/asked family to lower the cot to floor level before leaving the bedside but I think the staff do not heed their own bed lowering directive. I believe this has resulted in two falls from normal bed height in two weeks at PJC.

For a site boasting an award-winning Falls Prevention Volunteer Program, in my opinion, it's time for them to reconsider the current process. It seems that 'no falls prevention' is the rule, not the exception as I believe that now and then they prevent a fall without planning to.

At this time the consumer has no broken limbs however as an elderly patient, I feel another fall at PJC may be the last. 

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Environment


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Staff attitude


Seeing the whole me

Seeing the whole me


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Daily living support


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Responses

Response from David Plunkett, Chief Executive, Eastern Health 4 years ago
David Plunkett
Chief Executive,
Eastern Health

Submitted on 12/02/2020 at 5:48 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:50 PM

picture of David Plunkett

Dear Evidenced Based Care,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these comments and your feedback regarding the care and service your relative is receiving, especially in relation to preventing them from falling.

I’m sorry your experience has not been positive and your observations that the team at the Peter James Centre have not implemented all available strategies to reduce the possibility of your relative falling from bed.

In order to specifically review what is in place for your relative, could I please ask if you could make contact with one of the Patient Relations Advisors in the Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience either by calling 1800 EASTERN or by email at feedback@easternhealth.org.au

If you do choose to call, the Patient Relations Advisor may be on another call, so please leave a message and they will call you back.

We are committed to providing the safe high-quality care and therefore would welcome the opportunity to make changes in both what and how we do this based on your feedback and experience.

I hope we hear from you soon and thank you again

Kind regards

David

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Evidenced Based Care (a relative)

Thank you for your reply, David.

Unfortunately, the consumer has had 6 falls in the last 4 months in three different Eastern Health locations.

In PJC the bed is raised at mealtimes to allow the tray table to be used as the tray table cannot be lowered enough. The consumer is then at height and unattended three times a day in a cot without sides.

Having spoken with other consumers families in PJC, I believe falls incurring injury are not uncommon at the site.

While consumers could contact Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience on 1800 EASTERN or feedback@easternhealth.org.au, I think, after speaking to the Clinician on duty and the Senior Clinician, yet another conversation/email/feedback to EH staff is unhelpful, time-consuming and will change nothing.

In my opinion, the need for this open, public airing becomes more direct in that matters raised are not hidden from management above ward level. The Enduring Medical Power of Attorney for this consumer submitted feedback via the online form https://www.easternhealth.org.au/contact-us/complaints-compliments-and-comments/feedback without response.

One family member also spoke with hospital management at PJC regarding an issue and had no response/follow-up after being informed that a call back would be made.

Far be it from this family to recommend an audit of PJC procedures but how about an audit of PJC procedures. Please never admit any of this family to PJC again.

Response from David Plunkett, Chief Executive, Eastern Health 4 years ago
David Plunkett
Chief Executive,
Eastern Health

Submitted on 14/02/2020 at 7:29 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 17/02/2020 at 9:57 AM

picture of David Plunkett

Dear Evidenced Based Care

Thank you again for your full and frank comments. It was difficult to read of your experience and I can only apologise this has been the case.

I understand you have since had a discussion with a Patient Relations Advisor in the Centre for Patient Experience who has also apologised for the lack of acknowledgement and communication to you.

Clearly we have improvements we need to make and your feedback has been pivotal in bringing these to light, so thank you again.

I trust and hope the remainder of the consumer's stay will be more positive.

Thank you again Evidenced Based Care and kind regards

David

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Evidenced Based Care (a relative)

Thank you David for acceptance of the full and frank comments made in the spirit of helping to improve service to all consumers and families in the EMR. We trust that there is now an opportunity for real change.

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