WARRINGTON Hospital says that innovative schemes have eliminated pressure ulcers caused by plaster casts and splints amongst patients.

The Lovely Lane hospital says it has wiped out cases of pressure ulcers caused by plaster casts, splints and other devices when they rub against the skin or when a patient is immobile while wearing the device for a prolonged time period.

Hospitals staff were inspired to act after six severe cases of pressure ulcers in 2014/15, and introduced a red band around casts which is used as a visual reminder that a patient needs to change their position and encouragement to be mobile.

Extra training was also given to staff, leading to an overall 40 per cent drop in pressure ulcers at the hospital following the introduction of the schemes.

Rachel Browning, associate director of nursing for scheduled care at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We identified that there was an increased risk caused by plaster of Paris and other splints and supports that we use in hospitals.

“Whilst those devices are needed to treat fractures and other injuries it was creating problems for some less mobile patients by causing potential harm through pressure ulcers.

“We put a range of actions in place that would help stop these pressure ulcers developing – the red band on the casts has been a major part of this.

Hospital chiefs believe that is spread through the NHS the scheme could save hundreds of patients a year from developing pressure ulcers.

“It’s a simple that is making a real difference – by clearly highlighting the patients at high risk we have seen this fantastic reduction in cast-related pressure ulcers.

“We have seen a really positive result from this initiative in the hospital and we are hoping to cascade the learning and the red striped cast into the community.”