Stop Pressure Injury Day celebrations 2020

19 Nov 2020

Pressure injury prevention is a critical part of patient care and all healthcare professionals, carers, family and patients have important roles in helping to STOP pressure injuries from developing.

Thanks to the efforts of our interdisciplinary team, the hospital turned red and held a wide range of education activities and informational sessions to highlight the importance of knowing the signs of pressure injuries. 

Celebrations included roving demonstrations from physiotherapist and occupational therapists, roving pressure injury nursing games, stickers, t-shirts and informational brochures, models of pressure injuries, distribution of patient brochures and lanyards and a display in Admissions providing both caregiver and visitor information. 

Caregivers wore red to remind both health professionals and patients to look for reddened areas, or changes in skin colour as red skin is the first sign of a potential problem. 

Pressure injuries are commonly associated with older people who are bedridden for long periods of time, however anyone is at risk and pressure injuries can occur in as little as half an hour in certain circumstances.

At St John of God Mt Lawley we work closely with patients and their loved ones to show what to look for and the role everyone can play in ensuring healthy skin. 
Pressure injuries can lead to serious complications and delayed recovery if left untreated. 

Pressure injuries can be avoided by:

• moving at regular intervals and routinely changing positions to help with blood flow.
• ensuring skin cleanliness and dryness, which is essential in helping manage and prevent pressure injuries.
• enjoying a healthy diet to develop strong skin and muscles, which are necessary for preventing pressure injuries, while also promoting healing.