Broomgrove Nursing Home was involved in the recent International STOP the Pressure Day.
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores or bed sores, occur when there has been damage to an area of skin and sometimes the tissues beneath. Pressure ulcers are mainly caused by prolonged periods of pressure being applied to the skin. This could happen to anyone, but it usually affects people who are less mobile, such a people who are confined to bed or who sit for long periods of time. Pressure ulcers can affect any part of the body if put under increased pressure, but they most commonly occur on bony parts of the body such as heels, elbows, hips and the base of the spine. They often develop gradually, but they can sometimes form in a few hours.
STOP the Pressure is an annual global event where health care professionals and Care Home staff come together to help to increase public awareness about the impact of pressure ulcers and how to prevent them – an issue that many people are affected by each year.
It can sometimes be difficult to completely prevent pressure ulcers, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk:
- regularly change position with help from a relative or carer
- have your skin checked (by relatives/carers) at least daily for early signs of pressure damage if you are at risk
- have a healthy balanced diet that contains enough protein and a good variety of vitamins and minerals – if you’re concerned about your own or a relative’s diet, contact your GP or health professional for advice
- stop smoking – smoking causes damage to blood circulation which can make you prone to pressure damage
- keep your skin clean and dry
- if you have pressure reducing equipment, use it at all times
- if you become less mobile and are sitting or lying in one position for prolonged periods of time, contact a health care professional.
Broomgrove manager Donna Pierpoint joined Sheffield Teaching Hospitals community teams and staff from other local Nursing Homes as they hosted Public Health information sessions.
There was also additional Stop The Pressure events at various care homes, supermarkets and public spaces city-wide.
Events included:
Monday 18th November
9am – Graves Health and Sports Centre, Bochum Parkway, Sheffield S8 8JR
1pm – Waitrose Supermarket, 1-3 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8HY
Tuesday 19th November
9am – Morrisons Supermarket, 84-130 Meadowhead, Sheffield S8 7UE
1pm – Moor Market, 77 The Moor, Sheffield S1 4PF
Thursday 21st November
10am – Asda 1 Market St, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2UW
1.30pm – Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH
Friday 22nd November
9am – Asda Chaucer Rd, Sheffield S5 8NH
1pm – Ponds Forge, Sheaf Street Sheffield S1 2BP
