A HUGE training campaign which led to pressure sores among people in care homes and hospitals being cut by up to 75 per cent has brought applause for the health group involved and the chance of a major award from the Nursing Times.

Over 1,700 staff were given the special React to Red training through York Clinical Commissioning Group. Their campaign, which adapted a national scheme, worked to educate staff with face to face training on preventing pressure ulcers emphasising the simple steps that can be taken to avoid them.

They took the campaign to staff from care homes, Learning Disability/Mental Health providers, day care facilities, extra care housing facilities and respite providers. The scheme gave staff the knowledge and skills to manage pressure area care, promote skin integrity, recognise early signs of damage and prevent deterioration.

Michelle Carrington, the CCG’s Executive Director said: "Residents in care homes often have complex care needs, are increasingly frail and are therefore at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Although largely preventable, when pressure ulcers do occur the impact on the lives of our most vulnerable is significant with implications such as pain, reduced mobility and social isolation.

"To be recognised by the Nursing Times Awards is an excellent achievement and brilliant news for the dedicated team who delivered the React to Red approach across the Vale of York. We could not have achieved this without the unwavering determination of the care home staff to keep their residents safe from harm."

The CCG has been shortlisted in the Care of Older People category in the Nursing Times Awards. The training programme was chosen because it worked within primary care settings and improved the quality of life for so many elderly patients. In September the CCG’s Quality and Nursing project team will travel to London and present the React to Red scheme to a panel of Nursing Times judges. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on 31 October 2019.