Introduction
What you can do to reduce your chances of developing common avoidable conditions or harm.
Inside you will find some information and simple steps you can take to help yourself or someone you care for. If you have any questions please speak to your Nurse or Doctor.
Reducing the risk of falls
What is a fall?
A fall is when you lose balance unintentionally and it causes you to fall to the floor.
Falls can happen at any age but they are more common as we get older. Some people may be prescribed medications that can increase the risk of them falling. Patients
recovering from illness or surgery may be at a higher risk of falling until they feel better.
What should I do if I think I’m at risk?
If you’ve fallen recently, are unsteady on your feet or have a fear of
falling. Seek advice from your nurse or Doctor.
Bone Health – Osteoporosis
Have you suffered broken bones before? You may need a bone
density scan that will look at the health of your bones or medication
to strengthen your bones and prevent further breaks. Speak to your
nurse or Doctor.
What can I do to help myself or how can my carer help?
1. Make sure you can see clearly (lighting should be good).
2. Have your eyes tested every two years. If you wear glasses
keep them clear of dust and smudges.
3. Check for obstacles or clutter that might trip you up and report
any liquid spillages straight away.
4. Clothes should fit well – check trousers and nightdresses are
the right length, not too long and dressing gown belts do not dangle.
5. Footwear is low heeled, fastened to the foot and the correct
size. If you are in hospital and you do not have slippers, slipper
socks that have grips on the sole could be provided to stop you slipping.
6. Take your time when moving especially if you’ve just woken up
or are getting up from a sitting position.
7. Exercises can improve your strength, balance and confidence.
Chair-based exercises can help if you cannot walk at the
moment. If you are worried about walking on your own, ask
someone to go with you until you feel confident again.
8. Make sure you have the most appropriate equipment (for
example, walking aids and grab rails). Ask your therapist, nurse
or Doctor if you are unsure or ask someone to help you until you feel confident again.
If you do have a fall, don’t panic. Call for help and do not try to get up
straight away.
Prevention of pressure ulcers
What is a pressure ulcer?
A pressure ulcer, sometimes called a pressure sore or bed sore, is an area of
damage to the skin and underlying tissue, caused by prolonged pressure to any part
of the body.
The first signs that pressure damage may be developing is usually
discoloured skin, blisters, swelling or hot/cold patches which may become progressively worse.
People who sit for long periods, have long term conditions or
are recovering from an illness or surgery can be more at risk of
developing a pressure ulcer.
Muscle tissue is more likely to be affected, so the damage may be
under the skin which you cannot see.
An ulcer can develop in as little as a few hours, but can take up to a year to heal.
The surface of skin does not have to be broken for damage to happen underneath.
What can I do to help myself or how can my carer help?
1. Change your position as often as you can, from common
pressure areas such as elbows, hips, bottom and heels. For
example, when in bed alternate between lying on your back and
side and if you can, when sitting, stand for at least one minute
every half an hour. If you have pain, ask for pain medication.
2. Sit or lie on clean, dry, crinkle free sheets.
3. Check your skin for signs of pressure damage at least once a
day. If skin is darker, redder or more sore than usual, do not
continue to lie or sit on that area and tell your carer, nurse or
doctor / GP. People with darker skin tones are less likely to have
visible reddening of the skin.
4. Use mild and baby soaps (as these are pH balanced), that
do not dry out the skin. Dry carefully, without rubbing hard,
especially between the toes, groin and under the breasts. Keep
your skin moisturised by applying a simple moisturiser. Avoid
talcum power. If you have sore areas seek advice.
5. If you suffer from incontinence (where you struggle to control
your bladder or bowel movements) it is important to wash your
skin with a gentle soap.
6. Please inform your therapist, nurse or doctor if you feel you
have a problem with incontinence.
Prevention of a blood clot
What is a blood clot?
Blood clots can happen to anyone but are more likely if you are unwell, less active or
dehydrated. Blood becomes more ‘sticky’ and can form a clot. You cannot see it
because it is deep within the veins, often in the legs.
This is known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a piece of the clot
breaks away, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the lung
it is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). This is serious and can be fatal.
What should I do if I think I’m at risk?
If you are known to be at risk of developing a blood clot you may have been:
• prescribed medicines to help prevent a clot forming.
• given special stockings to help the circulation in your calves and legs.
You should take your medicine and wear the stockings as you’ve been directed.
Let your therapist, nurse or doctor know immediately if you have
any pain or swelling in your leg or if you suddenly experience a
shortness of breath which is not normal for you.
What can I do to help myself or how can my carer help?
It is very important to keep the circulation moving in your lower legs.
1. Keep as active as you can.
2. If you are less mobile it’s a good idea to do gentle leg exercises.
3. Try moving your ankles around in a circular motion and moving
your toes up and down especially if you are chair bound.
4. If bed bound flex your feet so you can feel your calf muscles
stretching every few hours.
5. Smoking can increase the risk of a blood clot. If you do smoke
you can get help to stop. Ask a healthcare professional for
information.
6. Do not roll down the stockings or fold them over.
7. Make sure you drink enough fluids.
You may be given an injection
• This will be a small needle that will deliver medicine just under
your skin.
• The injection can be given in your stomach, thigh or any fatty
tissue.
• You will be asked to do this yourself; the nurses will show you
or maybe your carer how to do this.
• You may need to continue this at home for a few weeks.
Food and Drink
Eating and Drinking
When you are unwell it’s important to get the right nutrition to help with the healing
process and your recovery. This would include eating regularly with 3
meals a day and small snacks in between especially if your appetite is reduced.
Menus are given out to you if you are in hospital. If you require help
filling this in ask a member of staff.
If you don’t feel much like eating, milky drinks can be a very
helpful way of getting extra energy and protein. You may be given
supplement drinks to increase your nutritional intake which can be
made with milk or water.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help to keep you hydrated and may help
with the absorption of some medicines. Some medicines say to
“Take with Food” or “on an empty stomach”.
If you follow a medically prescribed diet be sure to let the ward know
as soon as possible so that the right food can be provided.
Sometimes depending on the reason why you are in hospital you
may be advised to change your diet or eat a modified diet.
Staff will advise you what may be best for you at the time.
All patients should be screened routinely on admission for risk
of malnutrition. If you have lost weight because of illness or are
struggling with a poor appetite let your nurse know.
Food hygiene – Your help
When in hospital, food brought in by visitors / relatives is
discouraged other than those foods on the following approved list:
• Washed fruit • Packed confectionary (sweets, chocolate etc)
• Packed biscuits • Soft Drinks.
Our help
If carers or nursing staff serve your food, they must have washed
and dried their hands. In hospital they also need to wear a green
plastic apron.
If you are in hospital, all wards have “Protected meal times” – This
means that doctors, nurses and visitors are asked not to visit the
ward whilst meals are being served and eaten.
Medicines Safety While In Hospitals
Know Your Medicines
If you are admitted into hospital as an inpatient or for a procedure/appointment,
please bring all your medications with you; including those you may have purchased
over the counter, herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. It is also helpful to bring the most recent copy of your repeat medication list.
If you are an inpatient, you will be visited daily by your Ward Pharmacist.
They will use a range of resources to ensure a complete medication
list is documented on your admission. This is to ensure that whilst you
are in hospital you and your medications will be managed properly.
You may ask your Pharmacist for information regarding your
medications, including what they are for, how to take them and
common side effects which may occur.
What Can You Do?
• Inform your Pharmacist if you are not taking any of the
medications you have been prescribed.
• Tell your Pharmacist, Doctor or Nurse if you are taking any
other medications, including over the counter products, herbal
remedies, vitamin supplements or internet bought products.
• Bring in all your medications which you are currently taking.
• All medications must be handed to your Nurse for safe storage.
These will be kept in your secure bedside locker. Controlled
or restricted drugs which are subject to enhanced storage
requirements will be stored in the ward controlled drugs cabinet
or asked to be sent home with your relatives once we have
recorded the appropriate details.
• Never leave medications on your bedside locker or table.
• Only take medications which have been given to you by nursing
staff to ensure we have a record of what you have been given.
• Ensure nursing staff confirm your details (name, date of birth
and allergy status) before they give you your medications.
• If you have been started on new medication(s), you may ask
your Pharmacist for more information about them.
• Always take medications as advised by your healthcare
professional.
• If you use needles for any medications, you must dispose of
them appropriately in the sharps bins which will be provided
to you.
Blood tests and investigations
Blood tests
While you are in hospital or at home you may require blood tests. The blood tests
will tell the Doctor or nurse a lot of information about how you are and how
your body is managing your condition.
When you have a blood test check that the following happens:
1. The Doctor or Nurse will ask you to confirm your name and date of birth.
2. The nurse or Doctor washes their hand thoroughly and applies gloves.
3. Make sure that the Doctor or Nurse writes your name on ALL
the blood bottles before they leave.
4. Inform the Doctor or nurse if you have fainted in the past when
having blood taken before the test.
5. TELL your Doctor or nurse if you are allergic to plasters or tape
used to secure the cotton pad.
6. TELL your Doctor or nurse if you take anticoagulants like
warfarin or heparin, watch the site for bleeding after your blood
test, you may experience bruising at the site due to the blood
thinning medication that you are taking.
Investigations
There are many tests and investigation that you may be offered. The
investigations you are offered will depend on many reasons including
what the Doctor or nurse is trying to exclude.
BEFORE you have your investigation / test
1. Ask the Doctor or nurse what the investigation is for.
2. Make sure you listen and fully understand what they are telling
you.
3. If you are not clear ASK AGAIN.
4. BEFORE you have the test, the staff should read out your name, date
of birth and sometimes your doctor / GP to check that you are in the
correct place and undergoing the test requested by your doctor or nurse.
5. Confirm with the staff what will happen with the results and when you will be given them.
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Author Nursing and Quality Department
Approved by Quality Governance and Improvement Meeting
Date of Publication 03/06/2026
Reference No PL/1005 (v4)
Review Date 01/06/2027
