Health minister Norman Lamb saw how physiotherapists are helping to halve the number of falls suffered by older people.

The Liberal Democrat tested his balance in an exercise class at the Queen Mother Sports Centre, in Vauxhall Bridge Road, Pimlico this week.

Central London Community Health NHS Trust runs exercise sessions at leisure centres in Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea, helping older people build up muscle strength to stay well and out of hospital.

Falls are the leading cause of death in people aged over 75 in the UK. Injuries from falls such as hip fractures cost the NHS an estimated £1.7billion a year.

Mr Lamb said: “The fact that in just one year this project has halved the number of falls is amazing – it’s exactly the kind of community-based care that we’d like to see up and running across the country.

“It was great to meet both the experts and the people who are benefiting from these classes which are helping to keep people fit and healthy and out of hospital.”

The service helps patients who have had a fall, or have a fear of falling, as well as others who are self-referred because they feel they would benefit from the advice and exercise classes.

The team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists also provide a rapid assessment for local people who are moving into a care home to identify potential risks and strategies to prevent falls.

Visit www.clch.nhs.uk/falls for more information.           

A lady tests her mobility in an NHS class