Pressure Ulcer Prevention

A pressure ulcer is an area of skin damaged by pressure. It can be caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long or by rubbing or dragging skin across a surface.  The risk of developing a pressure ulcer increases when a person has problems with walking, using the bathroom or they don't eat and drink enough. It is important that the skin is kept clean and dry and if there are any devices (such as a splint or catheter) the skin under and around these are checked regularly to make sure no damage is developing.

Pressure ulcers can develop very quickly. There are simple measures that you can do to help reduce the risk of your patients developing a pressure ulcer including regular observation of their skin and making sure that they are not sitting or lying in the one position for too long and writing this on the Care Rounding Chart. 

To learn more about your role in pressure ulcer prevention work through the resources below. Your colleagues may refer to pressure ulcer prevention as 'Tissue Viability'.

Essential Learning Resources

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Further Information

Tissue Viability Resource Folder (Acute) Staffnet- Accessed on GGC Computer only