When an individual is in hospital for a prolonged period of time or a resident in a care home, it is important that they are regularly moved to avoid developing pressure sores.
Often referred to as pressure ulcers, pressure sores or bed sores, this is when the skin becomes very red and angry and may develop into an open wound. Pressure sores are incredibly painful and can become very difficult to treat.
Cause of Pressure Sores
Prolonged pressure on areas of the body is the main cause of pressure sores. Often the sores are caused due to a period of immobility, so develop when an individual is unable to easily mobilise due to frailty of old age or following an illness, operation, or injury.
Other factors that can add to the risk or worsen pressure sores include poor circulation and irritants to the skin, such as sweat or urine.
An individual may also be at greater risk of developing a pressure sore if they are over 70, are a current or previous smoker, are overweight, have a pre-existing skin condition, have a chronic condition that impacts the blood circulation or have limited mobility.
Identifying Pressure Sores
The early stages of pressure sores may look like discoloured patches of skin, feel warm to the touch, look swollen and be itchy or painful.
They are more commonly found on the hips, back, ankles, back of the legs and buttocks.
If the area of concern is not identified and treated quickly, the skin breaks into a shallow sore, cut or blister. The ulcer can go through many layers of skin and become infected, which often leads to serious complications. In very severe cases, the ulcer can become so deep that tissue, bones, joints and muscles become exposed, and this is when surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Avoiding Pressure Sores
Individuals recovering from surgery or who are bedridden from illness, disability, age or injury may spend prolonged time in the same position, be this at home, in a hospital or care home. They are often entirely reliant on others to re-position or help them move. Frequent movement is essential in these circumstances to avoid a sore developing.
Some ways to try and avoid pressure sores from developing include:
- Moving frequently – usually at least every 2 hours
- Taking regular walks if possible
- Ensuring suggested physiotherapy exercisesare followed
- Stretching regularly
- Checking skin for early signs of sores
- Using pressure reducing mattresses or cushions
- Wearing light and breathable materials
- Staying well hydrated
- Staying healthy and avoiding smoking
- Maintaining a clean and dry body
Pressure Sores in hospital
Many bed sores develop in hospital after surgical procedures.
We all know that hospital wards are under great amounts of pressure, which obviously impacts the time that staff are able to spend with their patients. However, if the risk of developing a pressure sore has not been considered or managed correctly, then this may represent negligent care.
Making a Claim
Developing a pressure sore can greatly impact someone’s recovery.
If you or a loved one has developed a pressure sore during a stay in an NHS hospital, private hospital or care home, it is advisable to document the skin condition with photos and make notes of the care received. Try and keep a record of how often you/they are being turned/repositioned, and of how often a pre-existing sore is being monitored.
The starting point if you wish to consider a claim is to speak to one of our specialist clinical negligence lawyers at Lamb Brooks. Our friendly and dedicated team are happy to have a discussion over the phone or in person at our offices to consider what has happened and advise if there may be a clinical negligence claim.
We accept claims on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, so there is no risk when instructing Lamb Brooks to pursue your claim. We assist with all the relevant paperwork, work with you to collect evidence and statements, obtain independent expert evidence and will fight your case all the way until a satisfactory settlement is reached.
Call us today on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant (who is not a robot!) to see how we can help you and your family.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.