Cheshire East Council is offering residents, free 'stand strong' classes in a bid to help reduce fall related emergency admissions at hospital.

And there will be two of these a week in Macclesfield!

More than two hundred emergency admissions at hospital are due to people falling across the borough each month.

Data from October 2022 through to September 2023 and covering Macclesfield shows on average 281 people aged 65 plus who fall, are being admitted to hospital. 

Pensioners are more likely to fall and end up in hospital in Macclesfield, than the Cheshire East borough average. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

The borough average is 218, meaning Macclesfield has an above average rate of older people falling that end up in the emergency room.

To help prevent future falls, consecutive fall prevention sessions will held every Thursday in Macclesfield.

The newly-announced classes will take place at Macclesfield Tennis Club, Park Lane, from 1pm to 2pm, and then another straight after at 2pm to 3pm.

Helen Charlesworth-May, executive director for adults, health and integration at Cheshire East Council, said: "The findings in this data are of real concern, and to think so many people are taken to hospital because of a fall or trip.

Helen Charlesworth-May.

"With more cold weather and possible snow forecast, one of the best practical measures people can do is by wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding going out early on particularly icy days.  

"These figures are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences falls can have, not only on the quality of life for individuals and their families but also on our healthcare system, as falls are estimated to cost the NHS £2.3 billion per year."

As well as outside, falls can also happen in the home and simple measures such as removing trip hazards like rugs and wires, installing grab rails or even something as simple as using a bath or shower mat, can help reduce the risk. 

The council is encouraging people to continue to undertake physical activity including via One You falls prevention (Stand Strong) and physical activity and muscle strengthening classes.

Click the red link below or call 0808 1643 202 to find out more. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

One useful action for people aged 65 and over is to join a free 'Stand Strong' class which is offered by the One You Cheshire East service to help improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling.

These are offered in a variety of locations across borough. The 'One You Cheshire East' brand was set up to help residents to live a healthy lifestyle including to get fit. 

To sign up to the classes and get someone to contact you, please click HERE or phone: 0808 1643 202.