A CAMPAIGN to help care homes prevent and properly manage bed sores has been launched by local NHS bosses.

The React to Red Skin campaign has seen materials distributed across Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby thanks to the Clinical Commissioning Group, with the aim of educating care providers about the dangers of pressure ulcers, and steps that can be taken to avoid them.

The CCG is supporting the campaign and has now delivered resource packs to all care homes and extra care housing facilities across the area.

Head of quality and safety for the CCG Angela Edmunds said: “We’re working with health and social care colleagues to help embed the principles of React to Red Skin into practice. We’ve delivered 37 resource packs to all care homes and extra care housing across our area.

“Pressure ulcers, sometimes called bed sores or pressure sores, are when your skin and underlying tissue gets damaged by unrelieved pressure. They affect a huge number of patients, particularly those who are immobile, are over 65 or those with a poor diet. They can be extremely uncomfortable and can lead to additional problems like infection or immobility.”

The prevention of avoidable pressure ulcers in the community is one of the biggest challenges that care organisations face – a challenge which currently costs the NHS and care organisations in the UK around £6.5bn per year.

Pressure ulcers affect around 700,000 people in the UK every year and many of these will develop while an individual is being cared for in a formal care setting. The reality is that many pressure ulcers are avoidable if simple knowledge is provided and preventative best practice is followed.

The campaign gives four helpful tips on how to prevent pressure ulcers: S – Skin inspection: check for colour changes, blisters or swelling in areas which are vulnerable; K – Keep moving: encourage gentle movement frequently; I – Incontinence: If the person at risk is incontinent then make sure barrier creams are being used; and N – Nutrition and hydration: is the person taking on adequate food and drink?

Sheila Doll, manager at Scorton Care Village said: “The staff are enthusiastic about the pocket reminders providing a constant prompt to remember what to look out for and the importance of delivering good pressure relief care.” Visit www.reacttoredskin.co.uk.