A NEW website has been set up to reduce the risk of falls and serious injuries among older people.

In Worcestershire around 1,500 people over 65 are admitted to hospital each year due to injuries suffered in a fall.

The new website, worcsfallsprevention.co.uk provides detailed and up-to-date information on prevention, causes, consequences and treatment of falls in older people.

It has been set up by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust with the Centre for Health Care of Older People at Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry with input by health care professionals at the Mile End Hospital.

Jackie Threshie, Falls Prevention Co-ordinator at Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said: “Most falls do not result in serious injury but the consequences of falling can lead to being fearful of falling again, loss of confidence, mobility and independence.

“Although falls are associated with old age they do not have to be an inevitable consequence of ageing. This new website is a great way of accessing information on why falls occur, the consequences of falling, treatment and rehabilitation, and prevention.”

The website includes advice on how to avoid falls, including clearing away clutter, and having regular eye tests.

Worcestershire Primary care Trust is now working in partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire County Council, social services and voluntary and statutory organisations across the county to develop a falls prevention strategy for Worcestershire.