OVER-SENSITIVE fall sensors are keeping ward staff on their toes across Wye Valley NHS Trust.

In December, the Hereford Times reported patient falls on the up across the trust, with plans for sensors on wards with the worst figures.

A review of the sensors shows the number of falls has reduced since the trials started.

While that keeps ward staff happy, the sensors are said to be over-sensitive.

Other issues identified were low alarm volume and “trip hazard” cables.

A fall sensor from a different company will be trialled at Leominster Community Hospital – where sensors were first introduced – to explore different designs before purchasing any further equipment.

The trust previously introduced selling slippers in order to promote falls prevention.

Around 100 slippers have now been sold.

Sensors were rolled out to the community hospitals and two wards at Hereford County Hospital as a response to fall figures put to the trust board in December.

A dedicated Frailty Assessment Unit (FAU) opened at the County to identify elderly patients at particular risk.

Overall, the number of patient falls across the trust over the past three years has been decreasing.

Protesting against the privatisation of the NHS is the Hereford parliamentary candidate for the Green Party, Diana Toynbee (left), and Labour’s candidate Anna Coda.

In October, the pattern showed a marked turnaround.

The trust identified an increase in the number of falls in in-patient areas, with the board told investigations into the increase made a need for easier access to sensors apparent.

Fall sensors are electronic pads which, when placed under a patient chair, can detect when the patient has left their chair.

While sensors help monitor patients at risk of falling, they are a support to regular checks by ward staff and cannot prevent falls from happening.

Last year, the trust also opened the FAU on the County’s Frome ward. This is an area dedicated toe assessment of older patients presenting with symptoms of frailty.