Pressure sore negligence claims

In most cases, where the patient receives correct nursing care, pressure ulcers or bed sores can be prevented. The most important way to prevent pressure sores is to avoid prolonged periods of pressure on any one area of the skin by encouraging the patient to change their position regularly throughout the day. People who cannot reposition themselves should be moved at regular intervals, and at least every two hours for those lying down and every hour for those sitting upright. Pressure relieving mattresses should be provided, and skin should be kept healthy, clean, and dry. Regular inspection of high-risk areas is important to detect and treat early signs that a pressure ulcer is developing. The first sign that a pressure sore might be forming is usually a change in the colour of the skin.

Some pressure sores can be treated successfully by relieving the pressure on the affected parts of the body using equipment like a pressure-relieving overlay system mattress, and by cleaning the affected area regularly and applying an appropriate dressing. The wound should be kept clean and moist and the area around it clean and dry. As a pressure sore heals, it will slowly get smaller. Less fluid will drain from it and new healthy skin starts growing at the bottom of the sore. It is essential is that the sores do not become infected. For more severe pressure sores, surgical debridement may be necessary to remove necrotic (dead) or infected tissue from the wound. In very severe cases, skin grafts, cosmetic surgery or maggot therapy may be necessary.

The healing process can take a long time and often requires ongoing treatment by district nurses or tissue viability nurses, who specialise in treating persistent ulcers.