At the launch of the new animated series were Rachel Pierpoint, Falls Clinical Nurse Specialist; Dr. Paul McElwaine, Consultant Geriatrician; Caroline Gallagher, Falls Clinical Nurse Manager 2 and Emer McInerney Senior Occupational Therapist
TUH launches animated series designed at reducing fall risks
TALLAGHT University Hospital has launched a new seven part animated series designed to support people in understanding and reducing falls risk.
The new series available on the hospital’s YouTube channel made in partnership with the HSE is aimed at patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals and is made up of seven one-minute episodes.
Each episode delivers clear, practical guidance in an accessible and engaging format, supported by accompanying educational materials.
In acute care environments, falls are among the most commonly reported patient safety incidents, while in the community they represent a major driver of emergency presentations and admissions.
The animated series was developed by a TUH consultant working across both hospital and community services, with input from multidisciplinary colleagues and patients.
Commenting on the launch of the series, Consultant Geriatrician at TUH, Dr. Paul McElwaine noted that falls can have “a profound impact” on patients and their loved ones.
Dr McElwaine said: “Falls have a profound impact on patients and families, but many are preventable with the right knowledge and support.
“This series gives people practical, easy to understand information they can use straight away, whether at home, in the community or in hospital.”
Falls are one of the main causes of injury and loss of independence for people both in hospital and at home.
They affect older adults most as well as those living with long term illness, frailty or mobility difficulties.
A fall can lead to broken bones, head injuries, longer hospital stays and even the need for ongoing support.
Some have emotional effects — people may become afraid of falling again, lose confidence, or withdraw from everyday activities – which can make it harder to stay active and independent.
Many falls are preventable through evidence based interventions including risk factor assessment, patient and caregiver education, environmental modification and multidisciplinary management.
The series aims to strengthen prevention, support safer care, and enhance patient independence through short, high quality videos with clear, consistent messaging, with funding provided by TUH’s Hip Fracture Committee.
“By making education accessible, we can reduce avoidable harm, improve confidence and help people stay independent for longer.”
The resource will be available across TUH and community services and the project directly supports the Hospitals Strategy.
