SensorCare Events
SensorCare launched SensorCare Events with their first Falls Awareness Networking Event on Tuesday 29th June 2010.
The day aimed to act as an informative, educational, knowledge gathering event for local care home managers and staff, falls coordinators, specialist practitioners, activities coordinators and other clinical staff with an invested interest in the prevention of falls. The event was free to attend and focused on raising awareness of these issues locally and providing new solutions for guests to take back to their workplace.
“Good to have such an event funded and free to attend. Thank you.”- Diana Hebden, East Lancashire PCT
The day featured 6 different speakers presenting ideas and solutions to aid in the prevention of falls. Each addressed a different area of importance covering a variety of aspects of fall prevention in care. This variety of topics allowed guests a good overview of the options available to them when implementing and updating strategies relating to falls in their care environment.
“Everything discussed was very useful to my work place.”- Susan Cavanagh, Care Concepts Care Centre.
The event was opened by Mr Chris Morris, Managing Director of SensorCare Systems Ltd.
Mr Chris Stanley, a Falls Nurse Specialist for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospital NHS Trust,
spoke first about risk assessment and the management of risks to create a safer environment. This talk covered a variety of aspects of appraising the level of risk that a patient is at and how to reduce these dangers. Chris specifically addressed the importance of this assessment procedure and how it should be carried out on every patient/resident whom is admitted.
“(The) assessment and management (session was) useful information to pass on to staff." Pauline Doherty, Little sisters of the poor.
Mr Kevin Hallas, the Pedestrian Safety Specialist, at Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton
then addressed Slips, Trips and Falls in the work and care environment. He focused specifically on how slippery a floor is, cleaning and its impact on falls and footwear and how choosing appropriate types can increase safety.
"What can we learn from occupational accidents (was useful), I will pass on all information to fellow staff- excellent.”- Pauline Doherty, Little sisters of the poor.
Ms Emma Greene MSc, BSc (Hons) BAOT a Falls Practitioner and Service Manager and Ms Louise Ashworth an Exercise Instructor both from Salford PCT
followed on after lunch with an address on Balance Control and Exercises to prevent falls. Emma discussed the advantages and disadvantages of using exercises to reduce the risk of falls and points to consider when using this as a prevention strategy. Louise then followed on with a demonstration of some of the exercises which could be used with the guests patients or residents to help increase their safety.
“Really enjoyed the exercise demonstration- will use this at work”- Helen Ritchie, RDU Departmental Manager, East Lancashire PCT
Dr Julian Minns, A Consultant Clinical Scientist and an expert researcher in Hip Protectors
continued the afternoon with an informative presentation on the use of hip protectors, their advantages and disadvantages. He discussed the problems in their positioning on the patients hips, discussed his research into these garments and shock absorbing flooring and how this could prove a useful solution minimising the risk of fall related hip fractures.
“Research on hip protectors and flooring (was beneficial).” -Alix Smith, Manchester Royal Infirmary Falls Team.
Ms Paula Matsikidze, SensorCare Systems Ltd’s Sales Manager and a leading industry expert on falls prevention
closed the event with a summary of the costs of falls and an outline of how to asses if a vulnerable patient is in need of falls prevention equipment. She then gave an outline of the equipment available from SensorCare Systems Ltd and the benefits of the equipment to the patient and the carer.
“Found it very helpful to take back all fall prevention suggestions to my workplace.”- Elaine Henshall, C.I.C (The Peele RCH)
The event finished off with a brief question and answer session where guests addressed some issues which they had further queries on. Throughout the day networking opportunities were available during breaks and an exhibition room displayed four stands relating to falls prevention; SensorCare Fall Prevention Systems, Sidhil Ltd’s Beds, The NHS Northwest Medicines Management Network and The Health and Safety Laboratory. Guests were also provided with comprehensive information packs which gave them further advice and useful contact details.
“Was all very useful. Content of presentations particularly good. Very enjoyable and informative day.” – Dorothy Flanagan, East Lancashire PCT.
Guests hailed the variety of speakers as a success, attendees outlined that it was very useful to have talks that addressed a number of important issues surrounding falls prevention. This allowed attendees to all learn something new as those with knowledge of one area were able to learn more about the other areas that clinical staff are addressing.
“All the talks were very useful and informative. Interesting day, well presented and organised, varied speakers and topics.”- Anne Manhold, East Lancashire PCT.
Guests were keen to attend further similar events as there is a call in the area for awareness events regarding falls. The NHS and Care homes find it difficult to gather the resources to send staff to similar events such as these so attendees were delighted with the chance to gain the information and advice given to them free of charge.
“Good to have such an event funded and free to attend. Thank you.”- Diana Hebden, East Lancashire PCT.
After the success of this day we are in the process of planning the next event which will involve interactive sessions on falls prevention, and a variety of further topics addressing falls.
“(I suggest for this event) to be ongoing to make it possible for more people to have this information.”- Agnes Mopalamie, Averill House.
If you are interest in attending any future SensorCare Events please contact either Myradh Cormican or Diane Croston on 0845 863 9570 or at enquiries@sensorcare.co.uk.
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