Ipswich trust buys low beds to cut falls risk

The trust had 12 cases in the first 11 months of 2012-13 where patients suffered serious harm or death from falls, against a target of 12.

A report to the board highlighted the difficulties in meeting staff requirements for patients at risk of falls when the hospital was under pressure and using escalation beds. The 20 low rise beds were due to be delivered in late March.

The trust also reported seven serious incidents in February – included one never event (a retained vaginal swab) and five grade three pressure ulcers.