Here we explain what happens after you have been referred to the Falls and Bone Health Service.

What we do

Having a fall can be very upsetting. Many people, whether they have had a fall or not, live in fear of it happening. This can severely impact their quality of life and everyday activities.

You have been referred to us because you may be at risk of a fall or of breaking a bone. We aim to reduce that risk. 

We will meet you to assess your risks and talk about your situation and needs. We will then recommend a plan to help.

Your appointment with us

Telephone appointments usually last around 30 minutes. Face to face assessments usually take 45 to 60 minutes. 

You can bring along a relative or friend if you want to.

During the appointment, we will carry out a detailed assessment. This will include many things that can affect your risk of a fall.

  • Details of any falls you have already had, if any.
  • The medicines you take. This includes prescribed medicines and any that you may have bought without a prescription.
  • Your home environment.
  • Your eyesight.
  • Your feet and shoes. This is to see if they cause problems that could cause a fall.
  • Your strength, balance and mobility.
  • How well you get around, including walking, moving between surfaces and standing.
  • How you feel about getting on and off the floor. This can be a major fear for many people who have previously fallen.

​​​​​​​We may measure:

  • your blood pressure and pulse. This will be when you sit, stand and lie down.
  • your weight and height.

We will talk to you about all these things as we go through the assessment. ​​​​​​​

We will also talk to you about your bone health and your risk of osteoporosis. This is a condition in which your bones become more likely to break. We will talk about how to reduce your risk of breaking a bone.

What happens next

First of all, we hope that you will feel better informed about how you can avoid falling in the future.

With your help and input, we will decide how best to help you reduce your risk of falling. We will discuss and agree any specific goals you may have. Finally, we will agree a treatment plan.

A report of your assessment, recommendations and a treatment plan will be sent to you. A copy will also be sent to your GP. 

All correspondence will be treated confidentially.

What the plan might include

There are many things that we can suggest to make you safer. Examples include:

  • Group or one to one exercise sessions that aim to improve your balance and strength
  • How to get up off the floor
  • Assessment of hazards at home
  • Outdoor mobility practice
  • Walking aids, such as sticks or frames
  • Advice on improving the way you walk, to make you safer and more confident.

If you agree, you may be referred to various services and health professionals. Examples include:

  • Bone Scan (referral by your GP)
  • Talking to your GP about your current medication
  • A podiatrist for foot care
  • Continence Service
  • Community exercise programs
  • Voluntary organisations.

Help and advice

Preventing falls

Falls and bone health service information pack

Practical guide to reducing the risk of falls and injury (from Richmond's Falls and Bones Health team).

Preventing falls recommended links

Recommended websites for more information about preventing falls.

You can also get help and advice or find out more about preventing falls by contacting Age UK.
0800 169 6565

Bone health and osteoporosis

Contact the National Osteoporosis Society for information and services about bone health and osteoporosis.
01761 472 721

Contact information

Falls and Bone Health Service


Correspondent address, clinics not held here:
Whitton Health & Social Care Centre
Percy Road 
Twickenham 
TW2 6JL

Telephone:

To cancel or rearrange your appointment, or to discuss anything else in this leaflet

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

020 8614 5397