Our Falls Response Team have been shortlisted for the prestigious NHS Team of the Year award
A specialist Falls Response Team that has helped thousands of people across Worcestershire remain safe and independent in their own homes has been shortlisted for NHS Team of the Year at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2026.
Run by ourselves and funded by the NHS, the Falls Response Team provides rapid assistance to people who have experienced a non injury fall at home, helping them safely back onto their feet using specialist lifting equipment while reducing unnecessary ambulance call outs and hospital admissions.
The team, which has delivered the service on behalf of the NHS since 2013, has responded to a growing number of emergency calls over the past three years, attending 4,510 incidents in 2022, 5,715 in 2023 and 6,783 in 2024.
Working in partnership with Taking Care, Redditch Borough Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service and NHS Community Neighbourhood Teams, the service plays a vital role in helping vulnerable people receive the right care at the right time.
As well as responding to falls, the team regularly identifies wider health and wellbeing concerns, making referrals to healthcare professionals and support services that enable people to remain living safely and independently at home.
Last year alone, colleagues made 271 onward referrals to services including occupational therapists, GPs, community nursing teams, social care and voluntary organisations such as Age UK.
The team’s commitment has been evident throughout some of the NHS’s most challenging periods. During the COVID 19 pandemic, colleagues sourced personal protective equipment from local businesses to ensure the service could continue operating safely. During ambulance strikes, they worked with NHS partners to develop a new response model that later became a permanent part of the service following the success of a winter pressures pilot.
Lauren Adam, our Falls Response Service Manager, who nominated the team for the award, said: “Every member of our team genuinely cares about the people we support and always go the extra mile to ensure someone receives the help they need.
“Responding to a fall is often just the beginning. Our colleagues take the time to understand what has happened, identify any wider concerns and connect people with the services that can improve their health, wellbeing and independence.
“To be shortlisted for NHS Team of the Year is fantastic recognition of the compassion, professionalism and dedication the team shows every single day. I’m incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved and this nomination is thoroughly deserved.”
Jodie Downton, our Supported Living Operations Manager said: “This team makes a remarkable difference to people’s lives every day, often at moments when they are feeling frightened, vulnerable and alone.
“Their knowledge, professionalism and ability to work seamlessly with NHS colleagues and community partners mean people receive the right support quickly, helping many to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and remain living independently for longer.
“Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the outstanding commitment they’ve shown over many years and we’re incredibly proud of each and every member of the team.”
The Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards celebrate individuals and teams who have made an outstanding contribution to health and social care across the county.
The winners will be announced later this year.
Photo caption : l to r, Rob Bullock, Falls Responder; Suzanne McManus, Retirement Housing Officer; Yasmin Braham, (Relief) Falls Responder; Nikki Faulkner, Falls Responder; Tina Morgan, (Relief) Falls Responder; Lauren Adam, Falls Response Service Manager; group photo; Janet Burtenshaw, Relief HTSW; Julie Rice, Falls Responder; Dawn Pope, Falls Responder; Bonnie Bartlett, Falls Responder; Nicola Langford, Falls Responder; Katrina Grey, Falls Response Service Manager; Justin Crumplin, Falls Responder; Lesley Kearney, Falls Responder; Michelle Jones, Falls Responder; Akua Boahene, (Relief) Falls Responder and Lisa Blount, Falls Responder, all from Platform Housing Group.