All healthcare providers have a Duty of Care to protect the health of those in their charge.

One aspect of this care is the need to ensure that patients and/or service users do not suffer Pressure Sores as a result of lying or sitting while remaining in a static position. 

Pressure Sores are often underestimated; however, if not remedied effectively, lesions of this nature can become infected, leading to serious health consequences.  The physical and psychological impact of pressure sores can be considerable and hence carers, nurses, and other health practitioners are expected to follow best practice to avoid such eventualities.

What is a Pressure Sore?

Pressure Sores (commonly referred to as Bedsores) are ulcers of the skin caused by prolonged pressure and are a common experience for anyone confined to a chair or bed for extended periods of time. The underlying cause is a lack of blood supply to the skin as a result of the pressure. Whereas those with greater mobility would naturally move to relieve pressure building up, individuals with impaired mobility may not be able to and hence may be at a greater risk of suffering this type of skin damage.

Individuals at risk of pressure sores should be regularly assessed to ensure any lesion is dealt with correctly, and also to make sure that the necessary mitigations are in place to avoid them in the first place. A pressure sore is characterised by:

• Discolouration which does not turn white when pressed

• A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy or hard

• Pain

• Itchiness

If left untreated, pressure sores can rapidly become worse, leading to serious health complications. Pressure sores are typically scored in terms of their severity, with the above early symptoms being classified as Category One.

Category Two refers to a pressure sore which has become an open wound or has blistered.

Category Three means the wound is affecting deeper layers of skin.

If left untreated for sufficient time, the wound may reach the underlying bone and muscle (Category Four).