
This month we are looking at Pressure Sores, should they happen and what can happen if they are not properly managed. Pressure sores can be very serious and are generally most common in elderly people and those people who, for whatever reason, are bed or wheelchair bound. Pressure sores develop as a result of consistent pressure on certain areas of the body
In the vast majority of cases, pressure sores are avoidable. Appropriate risk assessments and the putting in place of appropriate pressure relieving measures should result in a pressure sore being avoided, however, there are far too many occasions when these assessments are not carried out, or not carried out appropriately, and, as a result measures to avoid the pressure sore are not put in place.
Pressure sores can develop at an alarming rate and if, once developed, they are not managed appropriately this can lead to infection and other serious consequences, including permanent and painful scarring and, in extreme circumstances, the need for amputation.