Greater Manchester Pilots World-First Tool to Prevent Falls in Older People
Greater Manchester is leading the way in healthy ageing as the first region in the world to pilot an innovative eFalls tool. This new digital system helps GPs identify older adults who are at moderate risk of falling so they can receive early support to prevent injuries and maintain independence.
Falls are a serious health issue, with one in three people over 65 experiencing at least one each year. A fall often include complex injuries, hospital stays and often a loss of confidence. The eFalls tool, launched in February 2025, is currently being rolled out in the South Wigan Ashton North (SWAN) Primary Care Network. It marks the first time the tool has been used outside a research setting.
Patients identified by the tool are invited for a health check and offered a place in the clinically proven Falls Management Exercise (FaME) Programme. These classes help improve strength, balance and confidence. Patients may also be referred eyesight checks and preventative support.
Frailty costs the NHS around £6 billion annually. Research shows that proactive interventions saved the NHS £7m in 2018 alone.
Professor Chris Todd, Professor of Primary Care and Community Health at the University of Manchester and Healthy Ageing Theme Lead for NIHR ARC Greater Manchester, added:
“Falls are a serious concern as we age but the good news is they can often be prevented. There’s strong evidence that strength and balance programmes like FaME make a real difference. The eFalls tool helps us find the right people at the right time, offering them a chance to take part in something that supports their health, mobility and overall wellbeing.”
Dr Nikesh Vallabh, GP and Clinical Director for the SWAN Primary Care Network, said:
“This approach shows the power of combining local insight, strong neighbourhood partnerships and evidence-based tools. By identifying those most at risk, we can connect them with trusted, community-based services like FaME. It’s a proactive, personalised model that supports independence and reduces pressure on the wider health system.”
Professor Andrew Clegg, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Leeds and developer of the eFalls tool, said:
“It’s fantastic to be part of this pioneering work. Greater Manchester has delivered a global first by applying the eFalls tool in primary care settings, using everyday electronic health records to proactively identify those at risk. What usually takes over a decade to reach patients has happened in under 12 months, an incredible achievement and testament to the outstanding GM team.”
The Greater Manchester pilot is supported by a £100,000 grant jointly funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and the Centre for Ageing Better.
This approach marks a significant shift in how we support our population’s health by proactively identifying those at risk before a fall occurs.
The pilot is an important first step towards building a model that could benefit communities across Greater Manchester.
Published 15th May 2025