The team has been in operation since 2004 across Oxfordshire and is made up of a mix of nurses, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a health and wellbeing advisor and an administrator.

They assess people over 65 who have fallen and, in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, establish the patient’s fall risks and work  to address them.

One patient said: “The assessment was very thorough and professional but at the same time approached with kindness and compassion.”

Once the assessment is made we refer onto other services in the Oxford Health multidisciplinary team to help the person with confidence building, balance work, strength exercises, and equipment assessments to increase their independence and to other agencies as the need for them is identified in our assessment.

A patient who received a falls assessment said: “I received the best of care, the two ladies that came to my house were very kind and helpful. Gave me lots of advice and information. I feel a lot better following tips.”

Alison Haine, falls specialist nurse and acting lead said: “It is encouraging to see we are working in a manner that patients find useful. I am proud of how supportive our team are to each other and their patients. It is great to be part of such a caring and dedicated team.

“The work is quite involved because the team has to do a comprehensive assessment and then write a report with recommendations for the General Practitioner and a management plan for the patient. So, it is good to see this intense work is clearly bringing positive results.”

A husband of a patient said: “I was visited at home by a falls specialist nurse and she was extremely supportive and patient, listening to my wife and myself explain about the various falls and experiences we have had relating to my failing health. She checked our house to see if there were any extra facilities we needed. I cannot fault her help or gentle efficiency.  Our request was for help to enable both my wife and myself to stay in our own home for the rest of our lives – if possible.”

A final patient said: “I felt the nurse was a good listener to my account of my problems and asked sensible and comprehensive questions about them. She also made some helpful suggestions and seemed to have a very good understanding of the overall situation. She made me feel comfortable throughout the examination.”

For more information about the service follow this link.