Falls Prevention Service (Oxfordshire)

Falls are not only the result of getting older many falls can be prevented. The Falls Service offers help and advice to help older people avoid falls and to regain confidence if they have fallen. Our emphasis is on assessment, rehabilitation and exercise as we know this is the most important intervention that helps to reduce falls and fractures.

We do offer home visits if patients cannot get out to a clinic or in the areas where we do not have clinic space.

Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 8.30-5.00pm.

Service

The service covers the whole of Oxfordshire and clinics are held at the outpatient departments of:

Abingdon Community Hospital
Wallingford Community Hospital
Witney Community Hospital

The service is provided by specialist nurses/occupational therapist that offer a detailed assessment and make recommendations about medication, physiotherapy, home adaptations etc.

We aim to see all patients referred to the service within eight weeks but our waiting time can be shorter than this. If patients are keen to be seen sooner than their allocated appointment and they are able to fill a last minute cancellation then we advise contacting the office.

Patients can be referred by their GP or any other health care professional. They can also refer themselves. We can also be contacted by telephone or email for advice and aim to respond within 24 hours.

All healthcare professionals can access the service by using the referral form and we will offer a multifactorial falls assessment to those who meet our criteria.

Falls referral form (.docx)

Oxfordshire falls prevention service

How to reduce risk of falls at home

Information about your falls specialist assessment

Maintaining your balance

Medicines can cause falls

Orthostatic hypotension