Care for pressure ulcers in Lincolnshire
What is a pressure ulcer?
A pressure ulcer is damage to the skin and the deeper layer of tissue under the skin. This happens when pressure and rubbing of skin is applied to the same area of skin for a period of time and cuts off its blood supply– for example a susceptible person could develop a pressure ulcer within 1 to 2 hours. It is more likely if a person has to stay in a bed or chair for a long time. Pressure ulcers are sometimes called ‘bedsores’, ‘pressure sores’ or ‘decubitus ulcers’.
Background
Prevention of pressure damage and improving healing of pressure ulcers is a common element in care and is delivered in a range of settings such as in hospital, care homes and patients own homes. Without care, pressure ulcers can become very serious. Some patients can develop an early pressure ulcer and not realise they have one. Once a person has had a pressure ulcer, they at risk further risk of developing them again in the future. They may cause pain or mean a longer stay in hospital. Severe pressure ulcers can badly damage the muscle or bone underneath the skin and can take a very long time to heal which could lead to deconditioning and loss of a person’s independence and quality of life.
In Lincolnshire, pressure damage is the highest reported patient safety incident and is a top priority of Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board.
What is the survey about?
We would like to gather feedback and hear from anyone who has been affected by or received treatment for pressure ulcers in Lincolnshire as well as hearing from family members or carers of people with pressure ulcers. We would like to hear your views on: –
- Accessing these services and your experiences of care and treatment
- What you think is working well and how you think we can improve the service for the future
This consultation is now closed but you can still have your say. Please contact us to share your experiences and/or feedback, licb.involveus@nhs.net.