A hospital ward has seen a smaller than expected number of patient falls during the period in which a monitoring system has been running.

Last year, the Friends of Ramsey Cottage Hospital donated the EarlySense system for use on Martin Ward at the hospital, as an extra safeguard for elderly patients and to ensure staff were alerted as soon as help was needed.

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It uses contactless sensors to transmit data on a patient’s heart and respiratory rates, along with body movement.

EarlySense was introduced in February 2019, on a two-year pre-paid contract.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’Over the period that EarlySense has been in use on Martin Ward, the ward has seen a lower level of falls than would be anticipated in a ward with its particular cohort of patients.’

Martin Ward admits non-emergency patients with a range of conditions, ranging from alcohol detoxification to palliative care. It also provides respite care.

Mr Ashford gave the update on the EarlySense system in a written response last week to a Tynwald question from Lawrie Hooper (LibVan, Ramsey), who wanted a statement on its effectiveness and whether it had resulted in any savings. The minister said: ’We are currently working with a range of stakeholders to review the benefit and impact of EarlySense which will include ascertaining any cashable or non-cashable benefits that have resulted.

’The purpose of this review is to establish the longer-term options for the system which includes funding for the ongoing support and maintenance of the system.’

This review would be in the autumn, Mr Ashford said.