The number of patients developing bed sores at a Warwickshire health trust has increased six-fold, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

107 cases were seen at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust in 2013-14 compared with 18 in 2011-12. The trust put the increase down to a new electronic reporting system.

Bed sores, or pressure sores as they are often called, occur when a part of the skin is put under pressure, restricting blood supply to the skin. Without the necessary blood supply, the skin is starved of oxygen and nutrients, causing it to break down and an ulcer to form.

Gavin Moat, Partner at Russell Worth, said: “Pressure sores are entirely avoidable – no hospital or nursing home patient should ever develop them.

“107 pressure sore cases were seen at the trust in 2013-14, an increase of over 60% compared with the 18 recorded during 2011 and 2012. But in 2011-12 this figure should have been zero and in 2013-14 it should have remained at zero.”

As well as hospitals, the figures also included community services, which are known as environments which are harder to control.

But Gavin Moat said that, although they may be harder to control in these environments, pressure sores can be easily prevented if the correct level of care is given.

“It is a known fact that pressure sores are harder to treat than to prevent,” he continued. “When in hospital, special mattresses, beds and cushions should be made available if a patient is believed to be at risk of suffering from pressure sores. If at home, your district nurse, specialist nurse or GP can assess your individual needs and ensure that you are provided with any equipment you need.”

If you would like to speak to a member of our team about pressure sores and your legal options should you or a member of your family develop one as a result of hospital or GP negligence, please call 0800 028 2060 or contact us online anytime here. You can also request a call back at a time convenient for you here.