How slippers could help save the NHS £2.3bn a year

Slippers might seem like an obvious choice for a gift to older members of your family but could they help save the NHS £2.3bn a year?

Doctors at one of Wales' biggest hospitals are encouraging people to buy well-fitted slippers as gifts for Christmas to prevent their loved ones falling.

Over 500 patients who have fallen are treated every month at the University Hospital of Wales. Cardiff and Vale Health Board is running its Slippers for Christmas campaign and says by buying the right types of shoes, it could help prevent people from spending time in hospital.

So what is the best type of slipper to buy? They should be close-backed, good grip on the soles, can be fastened and do not have a heel.

Slippers with closed backs and no heel are recommended. Credit: PA

The health board says people between the ages of 50 and 70 can lose up to 30% of muscle strength which is why regular exercise is important to avoid falls.