Pressure ulcer prevention handbook launches to provide guidance for care home and hospice staff
A new handbook has been launched to support UK care home and hospice staff in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
The ‘Pressure Ulcer Prevention Handbook: A Clinical Reference Guide for Care Homes & Hospices‘, authored by Carole Young, a leading tissue viability nurse consultant, is now available to support health and social care professionals across all levels of care.
Pressure ulcers present a significant challenge across health and social care services. Accounting for seven per cent of all wound types in the UK, they are among the top 10 avoidable harms affecting individuals in care settings. These wounds cause considerable pain, reduced quality of life, and extended recovery periods for those affected, while placing immense strain on staffing resources and healthcare budgets.
The Spinal Injuries Association reported that the average cost of treating a pressure ulcers is £22.4 million per day to the NHS.
In response to this ongoing challenge, Carole Young, who is widely respected in the wound care community, has authored a comprehensive and accessible 146 page clinical guide.
The guide is tailored specifically for the care home and hospice sectors and intended to span the clinical spectrum to equip all levels of care givers with knowledge to understand aetiology, risk factors and causes of pressure ulcers, alongside the skills to give high quality, evidence-based care.
Carole said: “This handbook is not just about prevention; it’s about empowering every care professional, from frontline caregivers to senior leadership, with the skills and understanding to make a measurable impact.
“With the right knowledge and tools, we can reduce the burden of pressure ulcers and drive real improvement in patient outcomes.”
The Pressure Ulcer Prevention Handbook provides a thorough explanation of pressure ulcer aetiology, risk factors, and causes, evidence-based guidance for delivering high-quality, person-centred wound care, and practical tools for care teams to recognise early warning signs and implement prevention strategies.
It also provides strategic guidance for directors, senior managers, and clinical leaders on investigation, quality improvement planning, and service development to elevate pressure ulcer prevention across their organisations.
Lynn Cornish, Tissue Viability Specialist Lead, BSc (Hons), MSc Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, commented: “Informative and covers all aspects regarding the prevention of pressure ulcers. Whilst providing all the clinical information, has been written in a manner that all levels can understand. This book will provide an exceptional resource for HCPs to refer to.”
Patients across England, Wales and Scotland could benefit from updated guidance on the Health Institution Exemption published in December 2025 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
