Pressure ulcers are a wide issue affecting many people.
“A pressure ulcer is localised injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.” (2014, EPUAP)
It comes at a great cost to the NHS.
“Treating pressure ulcers costs the NHS more than £1.4 million every day (Guest et al. 2017).”
Most importantly, the cost to the patient is even greater. Pressure ulcers can cause pain, reduced mobility, social isolation, increased stay in hospitals, sepsis and even death.
By using the simple SSKINS acronym, pressure ulcers can be prevented and managed effectively.
Skin Inspection
Surface
Keep Moving
Incontinence
Nutrition
Self-Management
This year to raise awareness University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw will glow in red light on the Thursday 18 November – Worldwide STOP Pressure Ulcers Day.
More information on prevention and management of pressure ulcers is available on the Tissue Viability Service section of Firstport.
Many Thanks
The Tissue Viability Service
