Working to prevent pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers, sometimes known as bed or pressure sores, happen when a large amount of pressure is applied to an area of the skin over a short period of time. This applied pressure breaks down the skin and underlying tissue resulting in the sore.

A number of information events were held at the county’s acute and community hospitals to encourage patients to openly chat to nursing staff about how pressure ulcers can be prevented.

Over 700,000 people in the UK are affected by pressure ulcers each year, with over 185,000 of these occurring in hospital. In many cases pressure ulcers can be avoided.

Elaine Bethell, lead tissue viability nurse at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust ,said: “Preventing avoidable pressure ulcers from happening in our hospitals will greatly improve the care for our vulnerable patients. If we can use our nursing skills to teach the public how to avoid them at home, that’s even better.”

Jackie Stephen-Haynes, professor and consultant nurse in tissue viability at Worcestershire Health and Care Trust said “Encouraging the public to take care of their skin and increasing awareness of pressure ulcers is essential in eliminating avoidable pressure ulcers. Washing, moisturising and reporting redness over bony areas is important in preventing pressure ulcers, which are painful and can take a long time to heal.”

Parts of the body most at risk of developing pressure ulcers tend to be in direct contact with a supporting surface like a hospital bed, arm chair or wheelchair. These areas include shoulders or shoulder blades, elbows, back of the head, knees, ankles, heels or toes, spine and tailbone.

Pressure ulcers usually first appear as slightly red or purple, warmer or darker areas of skin than usual. If they aren’t treated quickly, they can develop into a blister or open wound, and later develop into a deep hole in the skin.

Anyone who thinks they might be at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, should contact a medical professional.