INPATIENTS at Leighton Hospital are now safer following the successful launch of a team dedicated to eliminating avoidable pressure ulcers.

After seeing an increase in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers since 2015-16, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust formed its Pressure Ulcer Prevention Team last November.

The team, headed by Sally Mann, divisional heading of nursing, has now overseen a drop of more than 95 per cent in the number of avoidable pressure ulcers at the hospital over the past eight months.

“Reducing avoidable pressure ulcers by 95 per cent is an incredible achievement,” Sally said.

“This is not just a result of the team’s work – staff from across the organisation have engaged and helped to raise awareness so that those in our care experience no additional harm.”

A pressure ulcer, also known as a bedsore or pressure sore, is an injury to the skin or underlying tissue caused by pressure, friction or moisture. They can be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases result in severe harm.

Around 186,000 patients across the country develop a pressure ulcer in hospital each year, but with the right interventions for prevention and treatment the majority are avoidable.

The team has helped to educate people of the dangers of pressure ulcers and how to avoid them, while leading education and training for staff and patients.

Alison Lynch, director of nursing and quality at the trust, added: “This is not just great news for the organisation, but for our local population.

“Staff have shown great team work and leadership to reduce harm in our most vulnerable patients.”