Pressure sore prevention UK

We use to get loads of patients with pressure sores from the hospital. some you could put your fist inside. Sign of bad nursing.

My husband died after a series of problems resulting from lack of treatment for a pressure sore on his heel which he got whilst in hospital for three weeks. I will never forgive the hospital for not taking better care of him.

That’s brilliant news Salti, I am so happy for you both. What a relief. Unfortunately my husband has ended up back in hospital this time with pneumonia. The good news is that the hospital have provided some invaluable equipment for his return home yesterday. He spent another 8 nights in hospital which has again impacted his health both physically and mentally. The district nurse is due to call over the next few days. We also have the memory team coming Tuesday so hoping to get some answers and advice going forward. To all the lovely gransnet community many thanks for the support I’ve received from each and every message I’ve posted. And please make the most of your time and don’t put off your dreams plans. We had so many plans for the future but kept putting them off until next year and now it’s just not possible. Don’t get me wrong, we have had some lovely holidays and made some lovely memories and in many ways have probably been more fortunate than many, but always thought we would have many more years to enjoy. You just never know what is coming. God bless to all.

That is brilliant Salti, what a relief for both of you!

As a follow up, when I replied on August 6th, I'd just picked up the prescription for my husband for the once a day Cavilon spray for his pressure sore. Today, the 16th the district nurse has signed him off. Yes, it has healed.

Definitely get in touch with your doctor. Hopefully the district nurses will sort you out asap. Good luck.

Thank you Applegran, I shall definitely take a look. Unfortunately he was in hospital for over 3 weeks with delirium and has come home much frailer and much less mobile. Because of the combination of his other conditions I can’t see us getting him back to his pre hospital mobility which was already quite challenging. Sometimes personal opinions from other people can be so helpful when you feel completely overwhelmed. Again thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond and share their experiences.

I m so sorry to hear about your husband's soreness due to spending a lot of time in bed or sitting. I have recently had a total hip replacement and found sleeping on my back uncomfortable and also wanted a really comfortable cushion to sit on.
Searching the net I found this company

putnams.co.uk/collections/mattress-toppers/products/ripple-mattress-topper

They make lots of things like pillows and cushions and are really worth looking at if you need to be more comfortable sitting or lying.
Their ripple mattress topper was a revelation for me - suddenly I could sleep on my back and be comfortable.
They also do cushions using the ripple foam and they are also super comfortable - I have one in the car and one in the house. I have no connection with Putnams - except gratitude. I recommend them highly.

Pressure damage occurs when skin is compressed between two hard surfaces - bone and hard bed/surface. Pressure must be relieved - either moving from side to side, alternating with your bottom. Other parts of the body are equally at risk - elbows, heels, shoulder blades, spinal bones, back of the skull, and without frequent position change all of these areas will be at risk of damage.

An air/pressure relieving mattress can organised from the community team, they are excellent, and the channels all alternate filling and emptying with air, and reducing the pressure on that part of the body, but body position still needs to be changed.

Diet, nutrition and hydration are important. Barrier creams are helpful, but will not prevent any skin damage. Please contact your GP for help and appropriate referrals.

If he is bed ridden, can he turn because it will relieve pressure if he spends a couple of hours on the right, then left and then his back. On his side, a pillow between his legs and another on his back.

It is more difficult in an armchair, but could he half-turn either way? It would provide some pressure relief. Could he stand up for a few minutes and do that regularly.

My local hospital recommend Medi Derma-S. An active mattress that moves in waves and release pressure regularly helps prevent pressure ulcers too.

I have that spray Salti, it’s very good and easy to use. Coincidentally my problem started while I was in hospital.

My husband went to see the doctor on Friday with a pressure sore, which had got worse after a hospital stay. He already has a cushion, provided by an occupational therapist. On Saturday the district nurse called at the doctor's request. The doctor had been prescribing medi derma s cream for my husband. The nurse recommended a once a day spray instead and sent a request through to the surgery. I've already picked the prescription up. She's calling again next Saturday.

That’s perfectly understandable sankev. If it helps, make a list of what you need to ask.

Thanks everyone. I think I’ll take your suggestions and contact my GP surgery and see what help they can provide. There’s so much to think about just now I don’t think I’m really on the ball.

Do speak to your nursing team at the GP or Occupational Therapy at local hospital. You should be able to borrow a cushion for your husband that is fit for purpose rather than spending money on something totally unsuitable from China.

My mother-in-law has a cushion also from the nursing team.
It's quite deep.
Will try to find out the make.

I would follow *62 Granny*’s advice and contact the district nursing team. I had a very sore and irritated bottom after being bedridden in hospital. My mobility is poor and I have to spend a lot of time either sitting or lying down. Turning over in bed helps, if he’s able to do that, as it will relieve pressure on his backside. The GP gave me a prescription for an emollient cream which is very good. The district nurse gave me a barrier spray that I use once day. I’m healing well and the district nurse calls in every couple of months to see how I’m getting on. I can also ring them if I have any worries or want a visit.

I do have an excellent pressure mattress and a cushion. The district nursing team supplies these on loan from the NHS for as long as you need them. You don’t pay,

We bought Metanium cream from Amazon for my mum who was using incontinence pants. It’s a barrier cream, marketed as a nappy rash cream. It was very good and recommended by her carers.
Her cushion was provided by our District Nursing team.

If you are UK based I would try and contact your district nursing team via your GP surgery who will be able to order the correct one for him and also make sure the cream you are using is appropriate .