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Trafford PCT's physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff were carrying out free walking stick checks at Stretford Mall today (1 March) as part of the falls prevention programme.
The team was checking sticks to see if the ferrule – the rubber stopper on the bottom of the stick – was worn out and needed replacing.
The team had a busy day, seeing more than 150 people, and replacing 30 ferrules that had worn down and 18 walking sticks that were unsafe. They also gave advice to people including teaching them better techniques for walking with their sticks and showing them how to recognise when a ferrule needs replacing.
Debra Maloney, falls lead at Trafford PCT, said: "Walking sticks are a vital aid for people who have walking difficulties, but if the ferrule is worn out, they can actually be a slip hazard.
"Often people don't realise when the rubber has worn down, so the team were on hand in the mall to check shoppers' sticks aren’t more of a hindrance than a help!"
Anonymous feedback from people who dropped by showed the event was a success and very useful to the public.
This was the first in a series of visits to the mall. The team will also be carrying out the checks at the mall between 10am and noon on Tuesday 9 March, Wednesday 17 March, and Thursday 25 March. Shoppers can visit the stand at any point between these times, and staff will be on hand to answer any queries.
Checklist leaflets containing handy hints on how to ensure the home is free from trip hazards will be available at the stand.
Here are some tips on how to ensure your home is fall-free:
Physiotherapists Natalie Yates and Jennifer Washington show off the ferrules
Trafford Primary Care Trust, 2nd Floor Oakland House, Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0PQ