A NEW campaign has launched to help prevent people suffering from pressure ulcers in the future.
The ‘React to Red Skin’ campaign is aimed at educating staff, patients and public about the signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers.
Anyone can get a pressure ulcer across all care settings, including their own home, and are more likely to affect people with health conditions that make it difficult to move.
The campaign is being organised by the three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest) are working alongside Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Worcestershire County Council and Your Turn to raise awareness of the condition.
People most at risk of developing a pressure ulcer are:
· People with reduced mobility
· People with poor circulation
· Anyone with reduced sensitivity to pain or pressure
· Anyone over 65
· People with incontinence problems
· Patients receiving end of life care
The first sign of pressure damage occurring is a reddened mark over a bony area on the body. Reacting to this redness is key to preventing further damage and breakdown of the skin occurring.
Lisa Levy, Interim Executive Nurse and Director of Quality for NHS South Worcestershire CCG, said: “We’re very pleased to be launching this campaign in Worcestershire. It’s extremely important that we are doing all that we can to prevent patients from developing pressure ulcers.”
Elaine Bethell, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Tissue Viability Lead, commented: “This campaign is about improving people’s knowledge of and raising awareness of how to prevent pressure ulcers.
“If you’re concerned about yourself, a friend or a loved one, it’s important to know the early warning signs and speak to a health professional as soon as possible.”
More information is available by visiting www.reacttoredskin.co.uk/worcestershire.
