Preventing Pressure Injuries

• Red / purple / blue skin
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Dry patches
• Warm or cool areas
• Shiny areas on skin
• Pain / tenderness

• Poor nutritional state
• Poor health or weakness
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Urinary and faecal incontinence
• Excess moisture or dryness of skin
• Past history of pressure injury
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes or clothes with tight elastic
• Lack of sensory perception e.g. diabetes or multiple sclerosis

• Patients, family, care givers and staff can all help to reduce the risk of pressure injury
• On admission the nurses will assess your level of risk of developing a pressure injury
• If you are unable to move yourself, staff will help you to change your position frequently
• You can involve carers by asking them to remind you to change your position regularly
• It is important to let the staff know if your clothing or bedding feel damp so they can change it. Ask for help if you have a weak bladder or bowels
• Let staff know if you have any of the signs of pressure injury
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless you are on a fluid restriction diet) you may be offered nutritional supplements if you are under weight or are eating poorly
• Keep your skin clean and dry. The staff may advise the use of a “skin-friendly” moisturiser
• Be aware of the risk of pressure injury under anti embolism stockings, drains and around tubes
• Specialised pressure relieving equipment such as mattresses can be used to reduce the risk of pressure injuries in hospital

If you have a pressure injury:

• Staff will discuss how best to manage your pressure injury with you and your family and formulate a care plan
• Use the prescribed equipment recommended at all times
• Move frequently (where possible) to relieve pressure
• Inspect the skin every day