ABSTRACT
Pressure ulcer incidence has increased over the years and has become high priority within the National Health Service (NHS). The estimated cost of treating a Grade 4 pressure ulcer is £10,551 (taking into account dressings, nursing time, equipment). In 2010/2011 the cost in Coventry of treating all pressure ulcers was £1,522,000. A recent study conducted by Bennett et al. (2004) investigating the costs of pressure ulcers in the UK identified that between £1.4 and £2.1 billion was being spent annually on treatment; this equates to 4% of total NHS expenditure. Therefore the treatment and management of pressure ulcers has become increasingly important and safety measures and guidelines have been introduced as key in order to reduce pressure ulcer occurrence and protect patient welfare.
