Falls Prevention

Preventing patients from falling is an important safety initiative across Vidant Health, since a fall in the hospital setting can result in serious injury. Vidant Health hospitals use preventive steps known as a “fall prevention bundle.” A bundle is a group of measures that significantly improve patient safety when used in combination.

To keep patients safe from falling we:

• Assess your risk of falling when you are admitted and throughout your stay
• Identify patients at risk by adding a yellow clasp to their identification (ID) band
• Develop a plan to prevent you from falling and clearly communicate it with your entire care team
• Educate your family about how to prevent falls
• Use safety methods throughout your stay, such as placing your nurse call bell within easy reach, putting your bed in the lowest position, and providing you with non-slip footwear