Screen 1 of 9 Introduction

Module 4 · Patient Safety

Moving Safely

Getting up and walking in hospital is riskier than at home — even for very short distances. This module shows you how to do it safely.

💡

Why is hospital different?

Illness, medications, and bed rest affect your strength and balance — even after just a day or two in bed. The way you usually move may not be safe right now.

🛏️

Getting out of bed

The right way to get up safely

🧍

Standing up

How to stand without losing balance

🚶

Walking

Walking safely with or without an aid

♿

Wheelchairs

Getting in and out safely

Screen 2 of 9 Getting Out of Bed

🛏️

Topic 1 of 4

Getting Out of Bed

⚠️

Most falls happen when getting up

Don't sit straight up — don't rush. Follow these steps every time.

1

Turn on your light

Never get up in the dark.
2

Roll onto your side

Bend your knees and roll to face the edge. Don't sit straight up.
3

Push up with your arm

Use your top arm to push up while you swing your legs off the bed.
4

Sit on the edge — wait 5 seconds

Feet flat on the floor. Wait. Let your body adjust before you stand.
5

Stand slowly — hold the rail

Hold the bed rail while you stand. Don't let go until you feel steady.

🔔

Press your call button first

You can ask for help before you get up — not just after something goes wrong.

Screen 3 of 9 Standing Up Safely

🧍

Topic 2 of 4

Standing Up Safely

🔑

Sit → Pause → Stand → Steady

These four steps are all you need to remember.

1

Shoes on first

Put on flat, non-slip shoes while sitting. Not after you stand up.
2

Feet flat, shuffle forward

Both feet flat on the floor. Move to the edge of the bed so your weight is over your feet.
3

Lean forward and push up

Lean slightly forward, then push up using your arms and legs together.
4

Pause before you walk

Hold the rail. Make sure you feel completely steady before your first step.

🚨

Feel dizzy? Sit straight back down.

Press your call button and wait for help. Do not try to walk through it.

Screen 4 of 9 Walking in Hospital

🚶

Topic 3 of 4

Walking in Hospital

🦯

Use your walking aid

Every trip — even just a few steps to the bathroom.

👟

Wear proper shoes

Flat, enclosed, non-slip. No bare feet or loose slippers.

🐢

Go slowly

There is no rush. Slow steps are safe steps.

👀

Watch the floor

Cords, equipment, and wet floors are everywhere. Look ahead.

🚫

Never grab a drip stand for balance

It is on wheels and will roll away from you. Only use fixed rails or your walking aid.

🦯

Using a walking frame?

Keep it close — don't push it too far ahead. Move it one small step, then walk into it.

Screen 5 of 9 Using a Wheelchair

♿

Topic 4 of 4

Using a Wheelchair

1

Lock the brakes — always first

Before sitting down or standing up. Every single time.
2

Footrests out of the way

Swing them to the side. Feet flat on the floor before you stand.
3

Push up from the armrests

Use the armrests — not the wheels. Wheels spin and you'll lose balance.
4

Pause once standing

Hold something firm. Make sure you're steady before you walk.

💬

Not sure? Ask for help.

Getting in and out of a wheelchair safely often needs two people. It's quicker and safer to ask.

Screen 6 of 9 True or False?

True or False?

Common beliefs — and what the evidence says.

✗ False

"Short trips don't need a walking aid."

✓ True

Most falls happen on short trips. The first few steps are the highest-risk moment of any walk.

✗ False

"I feel fine — I don't need to change how I get up."

✓ True

Illness and medications change how your body responds when you move — even if you feel okay. Safe habits protect you even on good days.

✗ False

"I can hold the drip stand if I need extra support."

✓ True

Drip stands are on wheels. They roll away when you lean on them. Only use fixed rails or your walking aid.

✗ False

"If I feel dizzy standing up, I should keep moving and it will pass."

✓ True

Stop and hold something firm. Sit back down if it continues. Walking through dizziness is when falls happen.

Screen 7 of 9 Your Actions

Your Safety Habits

Tick each one as you commit to it

✓

Roll to your side before getting up

Never sit straight up from lying flat.

✓

Pause 5 seconds before standing

Every time, without fail.

✓

Use my walking aid every trip

Even just a few steps.

✓

Put shoes on before I stand

Flat, non-slip, enclosed.

✓

Sit back down if I feel dizzy

Press my call button and wait for help.

Screen 8 of 9 Quick Quiz

🧠

Quick Quiz

5 questions — tap the best answer

Question 1 of 5 Score: 0

Screen 9 of 9 Complete

🏅

Module 4 Complete!

You now know how to get up, stand, walk, and use a wheelchair safely in hospital.

4

Topics

0

Habits ticked

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Quiz score

This module supports your clinical care. Always speak with your nurse, doctor, or physio if you have concerns about moving safely.