Preventing pressure injuries

Spending long periods of time in a bed or chair increases your risk of developing skin breaks or blisters known as pressure injuries, or bed sores

Pressure injuries can:
  • be very painful
  • take a long time to heal
  • increase your length of hospital stay.

Risk factors

The following can increase your risk of getting a pressure injury.

  • Lying in bed or chair for a long time.
  • Poor control of bladder or bowels (incontinence).
  • Poor circulation or diabetes.
  • Having a lengthy anaesthesia.
  • History of previous or existing pressure injury.
  • Where medical devices such as tubes and masks come into contact with your skin.

Areas at risk of pressure injury

A line drawing of a person laying on their back showing at risk pressure injury points on the back of head, shoulder blades, elbow, tailbone and heels   A line drawing of a person laying on side showing at risk pressure injury points on the ear, side of shoulder, pelvis, hip and ankle bones.  A line drawing of a person sitting in a wheelchair indicating at risk pressure points on the shoulder blades, elbow, hips, tail bone, buttocks, back of knees and heels.
When laying on your back When laying on your side When seated

How to reduce the risk

  • Move frequently to redistribute pressure across your body.
  • Change position in your bed or chair frequently.
  • Tell your nurse if your skin looks different or you feel tingling, numbness or pain.
  • Regular skin care.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet.

Remember

  • Move your body.
  • Inspect your skin.
  • Report pain to your treating team.

More information

Please speak with the treating team if you are concerned you, or a family member or friend in one of our hospitals, is at risk or is developing pressure injuries.

Last Updated: 26/07/2024