Senedd event to raise awareness of pressure ulcers

STOP Pressure ulcer day is a global event which aimsto increase public knowledge of pressure ulcers and its symptoms.

With the official event taking place today, Cardiff University's Welsh Wound Network hosted an exclusive event yesterday at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. This event was aimed at NHS Chief Executives and key healthcare influencers. With over 60 attendees the morning was a great success.

John Griffiths, AM, supported the event and will be speaking today. Michael Clark, Director of the Welsh Wound Network will also speak, to highlight how pressure ulcers affect patients, costs involved, along with what can be done to prevent them. Welsh Athlete Christian Malcolm, will also be in attendance today to show his support.

Pressure ulcers – commonly known as pressure sores or bed sores - are a debilitating and painful issue, thought to affect over 400,000 people every year – roughly the population of Cardiff. The late actor Christopher Reeve, famed for his role as Superman, lost his life to complications relating to pressure ulcers in 2004.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show in 2010 over 27,000 people died from pressure ulcers or infected wounds – yet most people do not know how to detect the early signs of a pressure ulcer.

"I am sure most people have known a family member who has experienced pressure ulcers" says Professor Keith Harding, Head of Cardiff University's Wound Healing Research Unit.

"These wounds are often avoidable, and the STOP Pressure Ulcer campaign is working with health services across Europe to prevent people suffering unnecessarily.

"The Welsh Wound Innovation Centre is firmly committed to supporting the aims of the STOP Pressure Ulcer day and looks forward to seeing reductions in the occurrence of pressure ulcers among Welsh patients over the coming months and years," he added.

The prevention of avoidable pressure ulcers is a key aim for clinicians and organisations delivering patient care. The treatment of pressure ulcers is estimated to cost £2.3 - £4.9 billion each year. This figure could pay for 288 – 613 nurses throughout their career.

For further information on the Global STOP Pressure Ulcer day please contact Michael Clark on info@welshwoundnetwork.org