Pressure sores

Pressure sores (or pressure ulcers) are painful, debilitating and they occur too often, even though they are preventable.  They are an often underestimated health problem in the UK.
 
Pressure sores are caused when the affected area of skin is placed under too much pressure.  No one expects to go into hospital, or into residential care, and to suffer these incredibly nasty injuries, but it sadly happens all too often. 

Extra pressure on the skin can be caused when somebody is immobile or unconscious (for example after surgery), as the flow of blood is affected.  The skin can then break down leading to the formation of a sore.

Sources suggest that around 1 in 20 people who are admitted to hospital with a sudden illness will develop a pressure sore.

People over 70 years old are particularly vulnerable to pressure sores.  This is due to older people having a higher rate of mobility problems, ageing skin and a reduced blood supply.

Pressure sores can be very difficult to treat.  Regularly changing a patient’s position should be the order of the day.  Specially designed mattresses and cushions can protect vulnerable parts of the body.  Dressings and gels can be used to help speed up the healing process if pressure sores develop.

In the worst cases, pressure sores can lead to life-threatening complications such as infection, blood poisoning or gangrene.

Pressure sores often occur to the hips, buttocks, base of the spine, heels, ankles and shoulders and, in the worst cases, cause destruction of the skin and fat and muscle layers so that bones are exposed.  Some pressure sores never properly heal.

Pressure sores can really affect your independence.  Sores can weep and require daily, or regular, dressing, and pain relief, for a great length of time. 

All medical practitioners have a duty to take reasonable care when managing their patients.  When a medical practitioner fails in meeting this duty, patients may be left injured, sometimes permanently.  Patients can often feel helpless in dealing with a large Health Trust which may not want to deal properly with complaints, no matter how genuine they are. 

My team at Taylor&Emmet LLP and I are committed, friendly and professional Solicitors and we can help in investigating cases where debilitating pressure sores have developed. 

My team and I can help in pursuing complaints regarding pressure sores on your behalf.  We can also pursue fair compensation for our Clients.