Hundreds of older people across Greater Manchester were helped back on their feet at home this winter thanks to a specialist NHS falls response service, easing pressure on ambulances and hospitals during one of the busiest times of year.
Latest figures show the Greater Manchester NHS Falls Pick Up Service responded to 353 call outs between November 2025 and March 2026, that’s a 27 percent increase compared to last year (278).
The Falls Pick Up team plays a vital role in helping people receive the right care, at the right time. Falls are one of the biggest causes of emergency hospital admissions, costing the NHS around £2 billion a year.
Waiting on the floor for a long time after a fall can lead to serious complications including dehydration, pressure sores, hypothermia and a rapid decline in wellbeing.
For 80-year-old Geoff (not his real name), the service made a huge difference after he fell at home. He said: “When I’ve fallen previously, I’ve had to wait six to seven hours on the floor. My wife is also elderly and unable to lift me.
“There is nothing worse as an 80-year-old not knowing how long I’m going to be lying on the floor for.”
This time, after Geoff’s wife called NHS 111, a Falls Pick Up team arrived within half an hour. “They helped me up, checked me over, checked I could walk and that my balance was okay. This is a wonderful service,” he said.
When a 999 call is made following a fall, trained call handlers assess whether a Falls Pick Up Responder, rather than an ambulance crew, is the most appropriate response. If urgent medical treatment is needed, emergency support is immediately requested.
By responding quickly to these falls, the service helps prevent unnecessary ambulance call outs and hospital admissions, while ensuring ambulances remain available for life threatening emergencies.
Due to the success of last year’s scheme, the service was expanded this winter to support care homes, healthcare professionals and carers, where someone had fallen and needed safe assistance. It is delivered in partnership between NHS Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance.
Every visit includes:
- safe assistance to help the person up without causing further harm
- a wellbeing check to make sure they are feeling well
- help contacting a family member, friend or carer if needed
- a quick home safety check to identify trip hazards such as loose rugs or poor lighting
- advice on next steps, including GP support, falls prevention services, or a home safety assessment
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief clinical officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “The increase in call outs this winter highlights growing demand for urgent falls support and the importance of having alternatives in place that can respond quickly and safely in the community.
“This service is helping people get safe and timely support at home while ensuring ambulances are available for those with life threatening emergencies. Not every fall needs an ambulance, but every fall does need a response and this service makes that possible.”
Andrea Brown, consultant paramedic at NWAS, said: “This service is a great example of the right care in the right place at the right time. By responding to non-injured falls at home, the Falls Pick Up team helps reduce pressure on ambulance crews and ensures we can prioritise patients with the most serious and life-threatening conditions. It also means people receive quick reassurance and support when they need it most.”
For NHS falls prevention advice visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/prevention
