PATIENTS at York Hospital who are vulnerable to falls will be the first in the country to benefit from a new system designed to eliminate such incidents.

With the costs of falls in hospitals estimated to cost the NHS £15 million every year, York is leading the way in introducing the scheme, which also aims to reduce the number of patients suffering pressure sores.

Michelle Carrington, assistant chief nurse at York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know the cost of falls and pressure ulcers, not only to our trust, but to the patients we look after.

“The time to focus is now, and fast.

“Nurses and midwives are closest to our patients on a daily basis and are therefore central to achieving real improvements. Their support and enthusiasm is vital to the success of this initiative and will make our hospital safer for all of our patients.”

Introduced on the wards yesterday, the system uses detailed assessment and monitoring for patients deemed at risk and ensures they have the appropriate equipment available, such as specialist mattresses, cushions and chairs.

The Trust said it aims to reduce falls by 20 per cent by January 2011 and costs associated with pressure sores by 50 per cent in the same period.