The Bermuda Hospitals Board is inviting the public to attend an expo highlighting the dangers of falling.

The event, which takes place today, is being held to mark International Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

According to statistics collated in Britain, one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall every year. Similar figures have been recorded in the United States, with many incidents resulting in serious injury.

Maxine Simmons, a registered nurse at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, said that falls were a “very common” cause of injury, particularly among the elderly.

Ms Simmons said: “As clinical manager of Gordon Unit, one of our four long-term care units at BHB, I am aware of the impact a fall can have on our patients’ health and recovery.

“As our clients are older adults, their risk of falling is greater than the general population.

“Our units have come together this year to raise awareness and encourage the public to protect themselves from falling.”

Christine Bogle-Meinzer, the clinical manager of the Curtis Long-Term Care Unit, added that the expo would equip the public with actions they can take to help prevent them from falling.

She said: “We also know that many older people may not tell their doctor or family members when they’ve experienced a fall. We will share why it’s important not to hide these events.”

The theme for Falls Prevention Awareness Week this year is “From Awareness to Action”.

“We encourage the public to attend our mini expo, speak with the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, watch the short videos, and take the fact sheets to have the information close at hand for easy reference,” said Lynnette Bean, vice-president of quality and patient safety.

“Falls prevention is an important part of maintaining good health.”

The event will take place between 2pm and 5.30pm in the resource centre on the ground floor of KEMH’s general wing. The event is free to the public and light refreshments will be provided.