Acute pressure ulcers reduced by 73 per cent in April

A Trust-wide improvement project, supported by the organisations continuous quality improvement methodology, Improving Together, has seen acute pressure ulcers reduce by 33 per cent in the last 12 months, and a 73 per cent reduction in the number of reported pressure ulcers in April, compared to the same month last year.

Pressure ulcers were identified as one of the Trust’s Improving Together breakthrough objectives, to emphasise the need for teams right across the organisation to focus efforts on reducing the number of patients who acquired a pressure ulcer during a stay in hospital.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication from all wards, supported by the Tissue Viability Nursing team and the Improving Together team, there has been a significant reduction in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. 

In April 2024, 22 pressure ulcers (category 2, 3 or 4) were reported. The trajectory has continued downwards ever since and in April 2025, only six were reported. This is a 73 per cent reduction.

Supported by the Trust Equipment team, there has been a rollout of hybrid mattresses that provide a better baseline of pressure relief and can also be stepped up to a higher level of protection for more vulnerable patients at the touch of a button.

There has also been the introduction of padded oxygen tubing, to prevent pressure ulcers developing on patients’ ears, as well as departments better managing their stock of pressure-relieving cushions and wedges.

Teams continue to work on reducing pressure ulcers, and it remains a key area of focus for the entire organisation as steps are paved to improve the experience for patients spending time in hospital.