§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken by his Department to promote the more effective management of decubitus ulcers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe incidence of decubitus ulcers—pressure sores—both in hospital patients and in people being nursed at home, is affected by many factors. The avoidance of excessive pressure 461W on underlying tissues, and of friction on the skin, is of major importance and good nursing practice is directed to this end. My Department has been and is concerned to help nurses in the task of prevention by ensuring that appropriate equipment which causes the minimum pressure and friction compatible with its other functions is available, and also by sponsoring and assisting in the development and evaluation of special equipment for use where the patient is at high risk of decubitus ulcers or requires exceptional pressure relief for other reasons.
The appropriate advisory groups are constantly on the lookout for improvements in general equipment such as mattresses, cushions and other supports. A number of such items are at present being assessed under the aids assessment programme, which provides for the assessment in use of various aids for disabled people. The need for research into the prevention and detection of pressure sores is being considered by the Research Liaison Group.
I am deeply conscious not only of the financial cost, but also of the human misery which is caused by pressure sores. I have, therefore, asked my Department to look at what more can be done to make progress in tackling the problems of prevention.