LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 2010

Flood Wardens may notice or have been given information about a blocked watercourse, culvert, drain or burst pipe. The Flood Warden should then report this to the relevant agency so that necessary action is carried out. By doing this, watercourses will be kept flowing unobstructed reducing the risk of local flooding.

A flood warden must NOT put themselves at risk by attempting to clear blocked drains, ditches or other watercourses or by entering flood water to attempt any form of rescue or repair.

Community Flood Wardens are an important part of the local community and also play a key role in assisting the Environment Agency, Water Authority, Local Councils and County/City Councils with local information on flood conditions. For example; before of during a potential flooding event the Flood Warden may be contacted to give an account of ground conditions, water levels, weather, etc, to help the Emergency Planning team to activate relevant plans and to coordinate an appropriate response across the County.

A full information pack and induction will be given. « Less

Last year Leicestershire County and Rutland Community Health Services’ “Safe, Active and Independent” programme worked with more than 230 people, aged between 46 and 98, who had all been identified as being at high risk of falls. Sessions are held in Loughborough, Ashby, Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, Hinckley and Oakham.

The free six-week programme, developed to increase mobility, balance and self-confidence, includes:

• Education and discussions on a wide variety of health topics
• Balance, circuit and chair exercises
• Foot care and footwear advice
• Relaxation techniques
• Tips on safety around the home
• Tai’ chi exercises

The programme is delivered by teams of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, technical instructors and social support staff who work closely with local authorities and local voluntary organisations. Patients must be referred by a health professional for assessment to ensure the programme is a suitable option for their circumstances.

Across the two counties, more than then 92% of people completing the programme in 2009-10 improved their physical balance and more than 99% reported feeling they had benefited from attending, with 97% saying they would recommend the programme to others.

Irene Mitchell, 80 from Long Clawson near Melton Mowbray, who has attended the programme, had a fall recently in her garden. She said: “The ground was uneven and unfortunately I lost my balance and fell but I remembered what I had been taught at the group, stayed calm and managed to use the technique we had been given to get up again safely. The course is wonderful and has helped to restore my confidence.”

Speaking at the start of National Falls Awareness Week* Stefan Milroy, physiotherapist attached to the falls service in Melton, Rutland and Market Harborough, said: “Many people who are at risk of falling develop anxiety as a result of their fears. This anxiety is mainly based in a lack of understanding of the risks themselves, as well as the consequences. When people attend the programme, we are able to explain the links between people’s lifestyles, problems and anxieties; and how these can come together to result in falling. Beyond this, we also introduce people to a variety of ways to exercise, reducing many fears and misconceptions about exercise.

“The most gratifying results are those where people regain their confidence and get to live the lives they want to, keeping their independence and allowing them the freedom to choose their lifestyle.”

How the service works:

Patients can be referred for assessment by the falls service, by their GP, social services or another health professional. A consultant specialist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist will then assess each person’s individual risks and situation and many go on to the programme, The average wait from referral to attendance at clinic is less than three weeks.

If it is found the programme is not suitable, other options, such as home visits, one-to-one therapy, or further assessments or investigations, can be offered.

• According to Age UK, around 30% of adults aged over 65 who live in the community experience at least one fall each year and figures rise to 50% for those in residential care. Around 5% of falls result in serious injury, such as a fracture.
• It estimated that the cost of an individual hip fracture(including hospital, community and social care) can top £25,000[1] Nationally the annual cost of treatment and long-term care linked to falls is estimated at around £1 billion[2].

• National Falls Awareness Week, June 21–25, is organised by Age UK to encourage older people to find out more about falls prevention and take part in local activities and projects that will help them to reduce the risk of falling and stay active in later life. More information about National Falls Awareness Week can be found at www.helptheaged.org.uk/fallsday

• Age Concern Leicestershire and Rutland’s Good Life project is hosting a falls awareness event from 9am to 2pm on Tuesday 22 June at Clarence House, Belgrave Gate in Leicester as part of National Falls Awareness Week.

-ends-

Contact for case study interviews/ further information: LCRCHS communications manager Sheila Ashton Telephone: 0116 295 0042 Email: sheila.ashton@lcrchs.nhs.uk

Notes to editors

Leicestershire County and Rutland Community Health Services is the independently operated community-based ‘provider’ arm of Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust. We employ around 2,500 staff to provide high quality health services in community hospitals, health centres, minor injury and illness units, schools, residential and patients’ homes and other parts of the community.

www.lcrchs.nhs.uk

[1]The Economic Cost of Hip Fracture in the UK, June 2000 research paper from Steve Parrott, Research Fellow, Centre for Health Economics, University of York, commissioned by Health Promotion England

[2] Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health August 2003 « Less