SEPT Raise Public Awareness about the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Specialist nurses, from South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) talked to members of the public and health care professionals to raise awareness of pressure ulcers - in support of Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day.

On Friday 18 November, Specialist nurses, from SEPT’s Community Tissue Viability Service held a pressure ulcer awareness and training event, at the Valkyrie Road Primary Care Centre, Westcliff-on-Sea.

A stand was set up in the foyer area of the primary care centre to allow members of the public pick up a broad range of information and talk to the specialist nurses to learn how they can protect themselves, or those they care for against the risk of developing a pressure ulcer.

A separate training session was held for health care assistance (HCA’s) from care homes in the local area; teaching them the simple steps they can take to reduce the risks of pressure ulcers for residents in their care.
Katie Fox, SEPT Community Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist said: ‘Most people will know someone that cannot move around very easily, this could be because they are ill, cannot move because it is too painful, are taking (calming) medication, have undergone surgery, or are elderly and generally less mobile.

‘In fact, anyone who is unable to regularly change their resting position is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer.

‘Pressure ulcers can occur for many different reasons; one being if a person stays in one position for too long without moving.

‘The most at risk parts of the body are the heels, ankles, knees, hips, bottom, base of spine, elbows, shoulders and back of the head where bones are closer to the surface, but there are some easy things that can be done to stop pressure ulcers.'

If you or anyone you care about is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, talk to your doctor or nurse, who can help you to take steps to stop pressure ulcers from occurring.

Katie Fox (left) and Sarah Charlton (right), SEPT Community Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialists, provide information about pressure ulcer awareness at the Valkyrie Road Primary Care Centre.