Think Pink - Stop Red - prevent pressure ulcers

Our Tissue Viability Team have been wearing their pink t-shirts and hosting a series of events across Derriford Hospital this week to encourage people to ‘Stop the Pressure’.

The team have been on hand to provide advice, support and guidance to staff, patients and members of the public to promote the importance of pressure ulcer prevention.

Pressure ulcers, sometimes referred to as bed sores, can leave patients in pain and discomfort, as well as delaying their rehabilitation. Severe pressure ulcers often result in a longer hospital stay for patients.

Annie Cornelius, Pressure Ulcer Specialist Nurse, said: “In the majority of cases, pressure ulcers can be preventable, if simple measures are followed. Pressure ulcers are not just associated with those typically considered at risk; they can affect patients of all ages.

“They do predominately affect those who are more vulnerable, for example frail and elderly patients, however, they are also seen in patients with medical devices, such as oxygen and nasogastric tubes, which can cause them to develop pressure ulcers.

“Throughout this week we have been on hand in and around Derriford Hospital, holding drop-in sessions for staff on the use of equipment and lotions, early recognition of pressure ulcers and how patients and their families can help too."

Pia Prince, Matron for Tissue Viability, added: “Our team are here to support and facilitate best practice within the Trust, whether that is protecting our patients from the development of pressure ulcers or, if they already have one, to give them the best quality of treatment we can. Last year, of the more than 100,000 inpatients treated at Derriford Hospital, 476 developed a pressure ulcer, of grade 2 and above. Our intention is to reduce this by 50% this year.”

The team will be available today (Friday 18 July) outside of The Restaurant, level 7 of Derriford Hospital, between 11am and 2pm.