Preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores) Advice for patients, carers and relatives

Preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores)

NHS Borders is working hard to reduce the number of pressure ulcers which happen in hospital. This leaflet aims to inform you of the ways in which we can help prevent pressure ulcers forming during your stay in hospital.

A number of measures have been introduced to help achieve this:

• guidelines for staff to assess the risk of patients from developing pressure ulcers
• guidelines for staff to follow when undertaking the nursing care needed to prevent patients from developing pressure ulcers
• documentation to help us give the high quality nursing care needed to prevent patients from developing pressure ulcers
• staff training on how to prevent pressure ulcers 
• a review of pressure relieving equipment within NHS Borders in-patient clinical areas
• all hospital developed pressure damage is reviewed to support improved prevention

As a patient you can help us to reduce your risk of developing a pressure ulcer by:

• mentioning to the nursing staff any concerns you have about your skin
• helping the staff with their care of you e.g. checking your skin regularly or encouraging you to change position frequently 
• keeping mobile (if able to do so)
• eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids

Be aware that pressure ulcers are caused by:

• not moving regularly enough
• by sliding down beds or chairs
• by things like sheets or clothing rubbing against your skin
• medical equipment putting pressure on the skin, eg splints

The risk of developing a pressure ulcer is higher if your skin is wet or very dry and also if you are not eating and drinking well. Most pressure ulcers can be prevented. They are painful and take a long time to heal so by working together we can prevent them.

A pressure ulcer is an area of skin damaged by pressure. It is usually caused by sitting or lying in one position too long without moving, or by rubbing or dragging your skin across a surface. A pressure ulcer can also develop under a cast or splint.

A pressure ulcer can develop in only a few hours and it usually starts with the skin changing colour - it may appear slightly redder, darker or warmer than usual. If this is not treated quickly it can develop into a blister or open wound - and over a longer period of time into a deep hole in the skin. 

Pressure ulcers are most likely to develop on parts of the body which take your weight and where the bone is close to the surface. The area’s most at risk are the heels, hips, bottom, and base of spine, elbows and shoulders.

If you are in a wheelchair or in bed a lot you should try to change your position regularly. You may need a special cushion or mattress to reduce the pressure. If you think that you are at risk of developing a pressure ulcer speak to the nursing staff who will advise you. They will ensure that you are able to change your position regularly or help you to do this. They will give you advice on how to keep your skin healthy and they will ensure that you are eating and drinking as well as you are able to.

If you need further advice contact: http://www.tissueviabilityonline.com/ this is a Scottish Government website that provides lots of useful advice about preventing pressure ulcers.