Your skin matters

All patients can be vulnerable to pressure ulcers. They compromise the health and the wellbeing of our patients and can be uncomfortable, painful and distressing, leading to health complications and delayed recovery. 

We aim to identify pressure ulcers early by assessing patients at risk or who have got pressure ulcers already, so that skin damage can be prevented and managed effectively. Throughout the process, we will keep patients and carers fully informed and encourage you to discuss your needs and concerns. By working together we can reduce or prevent sore areas from occurring.

Our nursing teams are trained to identify patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. We also have ‘Skin Matters’ Champions on each ward, who act as role models and advocates for our patients; raising awareness about pressure ulcers and providing training for staff.

Assessment of patients is ongoing and regularly reviewed and individual Care Plans developed, setting out the nursing care and measures taken to prevent, reduce and alleviate pressure ulcers. These may include:

  • Appropriate turning or moving of patients 
  • Checking high-risk places on the body such as prominent bone areas 
  • Introducing a diet to assist healing and skin health 
  • Pressure-relieving and reducing support systems 
  • A choice of dressings 
  • A choice and alternating of bed mattresses
  • Discharge planning with care packages set up in advance of the patient leaving hospital

Patients and carers, if willing and able, can also help by:

  • Checking their own skin regularly after advice on what to look for - Sometimes using a mirror can make this easier or patients should ask for assistance
  • Informing the nursing staff of any changes or soreness 
  • Following advice and information provided on managing this condition 

Pressure Ulcers are a specialist field for our Tissue Viability Service, and they provide advice and training on good practice throughout Royal Devon. 

Last updated: March 07, 2022

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