Hospitals trial shock absorbent flooring

Hospitals could be fitted with shock absorbent flooring to help reduce serious injuries to elderly patients. The flooring, more commonly found in sports halls, has a memory foam backing with shock absorbing properties.

The University of Portsmouth is conducting a study into the effectiveness of the material. St Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight, York Teaching Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital and Ellesmere Port Hospital are trialling the material.


Unfamiliar surroundings

Amy Drahota, from the university's school of health science and social work, said that falls were the leading cause of death in people over 75.

Ms Drahota said: "Older people are especially vulnerable to falls because they are more unsteady on their feet and this can be worse when they are unwell in hospital and walking in unfamiliar surroundings." Ms Drahota said 30% of people older than 65 suffered a fall at least once a year and 15% fell at least twice. The Helping Injury Prevention in Hospitalised Older People (Hip-hop) study has received charitable funding from the Dunhill Medical Trust and the National Osteoporosis Society.
Source BBC

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