Last Thursday a new pressure injury prevention programme to train and support staff across the Southern district was launched by the Southern District Health Board (DHB) to coincide with International Stop Pressure Injury Day.

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, can start with a reddened patch which can develop into a complex wound, sometimes extending down to the bone.

The DHB is committed to eliminating avoidable pressure injuries, and over the last 12 months has been working with community services, age residential-care facilities and hospital services to develop the new programme.

“Pressure injuries cause patients long term pain and distress, but evidence suggests up to 95% are preventable when appropriate interventions are in place.” said DHB nursing director strategy primary and community, Sally O’Connor. “The programme is part of the organisations wider focus on patient safety and injury prevention, and the initial roll out is for Southern DHB services which will be followed over the next few months with a roll out to age residential-care facilities and community services.”

The DHB is marking Stop Pressure Injury day with a public information display at Southland Hospital and training sessions about the new programme will be running for staff.

The DHB stated anyone can suffer from pressure injuries, but they usually affect people with little movement such as being confined to a bed, a chair or a wheelchair for long periods of time.

DHB continued, “You are at risk if: you spend long periods of time in bed, you are in a wheelchair or you sit for long periods of time in a chair, you have difficulty moving about, you have a serious illness or had major surgery, you are elderly or frail, you have damp skin from sweating or incontinence (e.g. difficulty getting to the toilet in time, loss of bladder or bowel control), you have loss of feeling (e.g. due to epidural, diabetes or following a stroke) or poor blood flow, and you do not eat a balanced diet or have enough fluids to drink.”

For those in bed, DHB advised, “Change your position every two to three hours, moving between your back and sides. Use pillows to stop knees and ankles from touching each other, particularly when you are lying on your side. Try to avoid creases in the bed linen. If sitting up in bed, be aware that sliding down the bed can cause a pressure injury to your bottom and heels.”

For those in a wheelchair, DHB advised, “Relieve pressure by leaning forward, or leaning side to side for a few minutes every half hour.”

DHB added, “What else can you do to help? Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Keep your skin clean and dry. Ask your nurse to help you with any incontinence. Remind your carers: please help me move. Your nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, doctor or dietitian can help you plan your care to prevent a pressure injury.”

Find out more at nzwcs.org.nz and hqsc.govt.nz.