Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

Beating the Burden of Wound Care in the NHS

Last week MPs learned how specialist staff and new technology is impacting the massive cost burden of bed sores in the National Health Service (NHS).

An event, held by the Tissue Viability Nurses Association (TVNA) and hosted by Labour MP Dai Havard (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney) brought together politicians, patients and health professionals to help ensure wound care is given sufficient focus by the Government. 

“Pressure ulcers, often called bed sores, cost the NHS up to £2.1 billion per year to treat and care for” says Dai Havard MP. 

“As many as 40 cases in every 1,000 NHS admissions are affected, particularly those who have restricted movement or are bed-bound for long periods.  The most basic sore costs the NHS between £38 and £92 per day for its care and treatment and this cost increases the more the pressure ulcer develops and starts damaging muscle, tissue and bone,” he added.

The TVNA plays a key role in wound care in the UK.  Its speciality is unique in that it affects every patient within the NHS either directly or indirectly at some stage in their life.  While the origins of the role lie in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, it has evolved to encompass general wound management, education, research, equipment management and guideline research.

“Prevention rather than treatment is the answer to lessening the burden of pressure ulcers in the NHS” said Martyn Butcher, Chair of the TVNA.

“It is essential that politicians and healthcare providers work together to tackle the problems of service inequality and postcode healthcare provision, to ensure that the NHS is robust enough to meet the needs of the population,“ he said.

He said current tissue management treatments including vacuum wound care technology  was allowing individuals to self-manage pressure ulcers and return home more quickly – and in many cases return to work.

“The right level of care early on reduces hospital admissions and waiting lists, and gives a marked improvement in a patient’s quality of life,” he added.

Hosting MP Dai Havard, a prominent healthcare campaigner, also said: “Around 30 per cent of my constituents are suffering from a long-term illness.  And with an ageing population, the cost of pressure ulcers is expected to increase over the coming years.   There must be a strong focus on prevention of the initial tissue damage to avoid more serious consequences for the patient.”

The TVNA Parliamentary reception event was sponsored by global healthcare Company KCI Medical, a leader in advanced wound care and therapeutic surfaces.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

TVNA

The Tissue Viability Nurses Association was launched in 2002 to provide professional and political representation for TVNs.

Most TVNs work alone and are isolated from their peers.  Through web-based forums, newsletters, email updates, workgroups and a comprehensive website, the TNVA provides information and peer support for colleagues throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

By bringing together their membership the TVNA aims to raise the profile of wound care and provide a unified voice that is able to influence relevant aspects of health policy at all levels of the NHS and Government.

PRESSURE ULCERS

*Pressure ulcers (also known as bed sores, decubitus ulcers, pressure sores) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissues.

Unrelieved pressure on a specific area of the body (e.g. the heels, hips, shoulder blades, back) will affect the blood supply to the skin and underlying tissues, causing that area to become damaged.  Mild tissue damage results in skin discolouration, giving a brown or purple appearance.  This may look darker if the skin is very fair.

More severe pressure ulcers can expose muscle and even bone.  The area around the dead tissue will look red and inflamed and may become infected.

They occur when a person is immobile for a long period of time, for example, when a person has been ill in bed or in hospital.  Sitting in a chair or wheelchair for long periods of time, without pressure being relieved can also cause pressure ulcer development. 

Treatment

The most important factor is to try and prevent them from occurring in the first place.  Most Health care settings now have strict guidelines aimed at preventing pressure ulcers from occurring in the first place. 

Prevention

In order to prevent pressure ulcers developing, it is important that those who are immobile have their position changed at least every two hours.  This may need to be more frequent if sitting. A healthy balanced diet and plenty of fluids will also help the condition of the skin. Those at higher risk of pressure ulcers, such as the elderly and those with existing medical conditions should keep as active and mobile as possible, taking some form of exercise every day.  It is advisable to take part in exercise that uses a range of motions.

Also important is keeping the skin clean and dry, checking that bed linen is free from wrinkles. There is plenty of help and advice available through your family doctor.

*Source: adapted from information available on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk