NHS Gloucestershire has been raising awareness of pressure ulcers this week, as part of the annual STOPthePressure Week campaign, and STOP Pressure Ulcer Day (November 21).

The Tissue Viability team have been out around Gloucestershire, including Tesco at Lydney, using their information bus, raising awareness about the dangers and potentially life-threatening complications of pressure ulcers, and prevention tips.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are injuries to skin and tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure. Anyone can get a pressure ulcer, but people who are spending more time in bed, or who sit for a long time are especially vulnerable. Pressure ulcers can be dangerous if left untreated.

Taking to its website, the Society of Tissue Viability said: “Our theme for 2024 is inclusivity, ‘Are you really LOOKING, are you really LISTENING’.

“Might you need to adjust your communication style? – Consider the needs of your colleagues and patients when communicating. Everyone ‘hears’ or learns differently.

“Might you need to adjust or simplify your messages? – Information can be overwhelming for many reasons and can be difficult to process

“Might you need to consider your environment? – Background and environmental constraints may be very distracting.”

Further information can be found via the NHS Gloucestershire or Society of Tissue Viability websites. You can also support the campaign by using #STOPthePressure Week on social media.