MIL and pressure sores

[Camelsinthegobi]

MIL is in hospital pretty immobile with broken leg and shoulder and other underlying health conditions and we’ve just found out she has pressure sores on her bum, and one we already knew about on her foot. She should be on one of those air mattresses but the hospital where she was transferred to can’t get hold of one currently and have no idea when one will become available. Have spoken to nurse today and expressed my concerns. Will call ward again shortly. Pals is closed until Monday. What else can i do?

Why can't they get one?

Have the sores appeared since she was admitted to the ward?

They should be turning her off the sores, so side to side every 2 hours or even more regularly.

She’s been there since Thursday- the hospital where she was previously had an air mattress for her but she developed the sores whilst there, on the air mattress. So I’m v worried indeed about what happens now she’s not on one.

I don’t think she cam go on her side due to her shoulder which is broken in 2 places and needs to be immobilised as much as poss. They have been shifting her about.

They say they have ordered one but have literally no idea when it will arrive- hours/days.

Of she developed them on an air mattress then the previous hospital were not caring for her correctly.

There are ways to manourve her so she isn't putting pressure on her sores or her shoulder but it involves using wedges to help support her.

They should be using specialist creams like cavalon to prevent them breaking or getting too deep so you need to question them. Nurses should be aware of the dangers and should be chasing up getting her the correct mattress.

Unfortunately this is the down side of an underfunded NHS

Special ones often have to be ordered in, what sort of mattress is she on at the moment, most hospitals now have air mattresses as standard, there will be some kind of control box at the end or side of the bed, is it a bed with controls. Are they talking about a different type of mattress which they need to order. Ask them what her waterlow score is which measures her risk factors, the higher the score the more at risk she is. Ask if she has seen the tissue viability nurse and what were their recommendations, how often should her position be changed, at what degree should she be lying or sitting in. You can ask to speak tomth3 site manager, they might be able to find one on another ward that isn't being used.

Thanks for the suggestions, will get on to those things.

We are looking for anyone willing to talk about the subject of bed sores/pressure ulcers for media purposes. It's a debilitating issue that's not talked about enough, and we are looking to raise awareness for it sensitively. Happy to donate to a charity of your choice as thanks for your involvement. Please feel free to private message me.