Following trials of a ‘shock-absorbent’ Tarkett flooring system commonly used in sports halls, Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital is hoping to reduce trips and falls in its dementia wards by installing the material.
The ‘Hip-Hop’ Flooring Study, by the University of Portsmouth, found installing Tarkett’s Omnisports flooring was likely to reduce fall injuries among older people due to its shock-absorbent foam backing. Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust has now installed 1,600 m2 of Omnisports Training 5 mm flooring in the treatment bedrooms of the hospital’s four acute wards, which care for frail, older patients. Julie Windsor, patient safety lead, Older People and Falls, for NHS England, said: “The Portsmouth University research showed the Tarkett flooring performed favourably compared with other flooring types in potentially reducing serious injury risk following falls. The Omnisports Training flooring also has an R9 slip resistance rating, while the backing reduces noise.” The Trust selected a ‘classic oak’ finish. Julie Windsor said: “Colour, design, and pattern, are incredibly important when choosing for dementia ward flooring. Too bright and high glare a finish can confuse older eyes, and excessively ‘busy’ designs can be daunting. The reassuring and homely classic oak design creates a calming environment that ensures patients feel safe, and stay in their rooms.”
