Pressure ulcers can have a significant impact on a person’s health, wellbeing, independence and quality of life. They can cause pain and distress, increase the risk of infection and lead to additional healthcare interventions and hospital admission. Although not all pressure ulcers are preventable, many can be avoided through early identification of risk and effective preventative care.

Pressure ulcer prevention is therefore everyone’s responsibility. Staff must remain alert to changes in a person’s mobility, skin condition, nutritional status, continence, health and other factors that may increase the risk of pressure damage.

Staff must also implement preventative measures included within the person’s care plan, promptly report concerns to management in the first instance, and work collaboratively with community nurses, GPs, Tissue Viability Services and other healthcare professionals.

This policy establishes the arrangements for identifying people at risk, preventing pressure damage, recognising deterioration, responding to pressure ulcers and working with relevant healthcare professionals.

Published 14th September 2026