Pressure injuries (bed sores) are areas of damage to the skin or underlying tissue, caused by lying in one place for too long or your skin rubbing against another surface.
Where possible, it's important to keep moving while you are in bed to help reduce the risk of pressure injuries.
To help prevent pressure injuries, try to:
- Keep moving if you can, even in bed, and call us if you are uncomfortable
- Change position often. We can help you do this and can also provide a special mattress or cushion for support
- Keep your skin and bedding dry and let staff know if your bedding is damp
Patients who are not very mobile or have poor blood supply to the legs and feet are at most risk of developing a pressure injury.
In most cases, pressure injuries can be prevented. Your nurse will regularly check your skin for signs of damage, but if you have any discomfort, let your nurse know.
Last updated 21 December 2022