Falkirk Falls project gains national award

A joint social work and health project aimed at preventing falls by older and vulnerable people in the Falkirk area has won another national award.

The Falkirk Falls Management Project, developed and run by Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley, won a Convention of Scottish Local Authorities Gold Award.

Four years ago the project won prizes totalling £4000 at the UK-wide “Guidelines in Practice” magazine awards in London.

This money was used to further develop the project.

The Falkirk Falls Management Project began in 2002 as a joint initiative between health and social work professionals.

They shared a concern about older people who experienced falls at home.

Vulnerable people in the community who were falling frequently have been offered early access to a Falkirk-based Falls Management Clinic for assessment, therapy, equipment and advice.

Everyone referred for the Community Alarm Service was provided with an information booklet or tape offering useful advice and guidance on the many ways in which falls may be avoided.

Automatic fall detectors proved so valuable in the project they have been integrated into Falkirk social work’s Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS).

Now 6124 MECS service users are monitored around the clock and helped if they fall.

“The Falls project is an excellent example of joint working between Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley which is helping to improve the lives of vulnerable people,” said Margaret Anderson, acting director of Social Work Services.