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In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

Boxing exercise at Nimbin's Living Longer, Living Stronger class
Published: 01 Apr 2026

This April Falls Month, Northern NSW Local Health District is encouraging people to talk more about falls and simple interventions to improve balance and strength, to reduce the risk of a fall.

In NSW, 30 per cent of people aged over 65 fall each year, and 37 per cent of injury related deaths are caused by falls.

Beginning 1 April, April Falls Month is themed, Let’s Talk About Falls – Staying Safe Starts with a Chat, and aims to break the stigma around talking about falls by encouraging conversations to help older people access appropriate care and early interventions.

Across places like Grafton, Kyogle, Lismore and Tweed hospitals, community health settings and aged care providers will be encouraging families, carers and health professionals to start simple, proactive conversations when they notice signs that someone may be at risk of falling.

Some early signs to look out for include:

  • unsteadiness when walking
  • holding onto furniture while walking around the home
  • signs of feeling unwell or unexplained bruising
  • confusion or changes in alertness.

When these signs are noticed, a simple conversation can make all the difference. Small, practical changes such as strength and balance exercises, medication reviews, vision checks or home safety adjustments can significantly reduce fall risk and help older people remain safe, independent and confident.

The Clinical Excellence Commission has collaborated with the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network to produce a range of April Falls resources for patients, families, carers and health staff. 

Clinical Excellence Commission Senior Improvement Lead Briony Chasle said falls prevention starts with awareness and action.

“Falls can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, independence and confidence,” Ms Chasle said.

“But falls are not inevitable. When we notice early signs of risk and start a supportive conversation, we create an opportunity for early intervention and practical strategies that help people stay safe and steady on their feet.

“Many older people worry that admitting to a fall means losing their independence. In reality, talking about falls is one of the most important steps we can take to protect independence. A simple chat can lead to small changes that make a big difference.”

Poor balance and strength are factors that affect a person’s mobility and increase their risk of a fall. By improving balance and strength, people can reduce their risk of falling and fall-related injuries by 23 per cent. 

To find local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit the Active and Healthy exercise directory.

Information and advice to support older adults to be more active is also available on the Active and Healthy website. This includes home-based exercise circuits designed for beginners to follow along at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.

Find out more about April Falls Month and visit NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network: https://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/aprilfalls2026/

Photo caption: Information and advice to support older adults to be more active, such as this class at the Living Longer, Living Stronger program in Nimbin, are available on the Active and Healthy website