Our Community Pressure Prevention team is holding some events next month to raise awareness of how pressure ulcers develop and can be prevented.
The four-strong team, which recently changed its name from React to Red, assess patients in care homes with leg wounds and pressure ulcers, across the North Lincolnshire area. They also train the care staff yearly within the care homes about early recognition and prevention of pressure damage.
National Stop the Pressure Day takes place on 21 November and aims to raise awareness of pressure ulcers. The team will be marking this with public information stalls at St John’s Market and the Ironstone Centre in Scunthorpe on 6 and 12 November respectively, from 10am to 2pm.
Heather Webster, Assistant Practitioner, said: “Part of our role involves carrying out assessments of wounds in care homes and doing skin checks. We categorise the wound and complete the necessary documentation prior to referring on to the Community Nurses. We work closely with the equipment store who provide pressure relieving equipment. We focus on the ‘red areas’, such as pressure ulcers, and dress open wounds when we need to.
“We want to raise awareness of the work we do, and also the signs and symptoms people can look out for. So come along to one of our public sessions and find out more.”
The team is also doing lots of work with staff at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, including getting a company in to demonstrate equipment, which can be used to help patients.
The team looks after more than 50 care homes, looking after the residents, and educating the staff who work there. This enables staff to be able to prevent pressure damage from occurring by identifying the early signs of skin damage.
And the team has recently received great feedback from one of the care homes it works with.
Danielle Savage, manager of Wrawby Hall Care Home, said: “I want to thank the team for the training they provided. It sets a strong foundation and really gives the staff the confidence and knowledge to identify areas of concern, and report them.
“The team have always been very approachable and supportive. This really helps with building and maintaining professional relationships, and means the residents receive the very best care all round.
“Thank you for always being a huge support to the home and the residents.”
The Tissue Viability team at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will also be raising awareness during November by visiting the wards.