Patients at high risk of developing pressure damage, or those with existing damage, need the right equipment on discharge to avoid further skin deterioration when they get home. We're asking colleagues to think: If they need it here, do they need it at home?

There have been a number of incidents where this hasn't happened, and patients with pressure damage have been discharged from hospital with no pressure relieving equipment. This could lead to further skin deterioration.

So please bear in mind when discharging a patient with existing pressure damage or who has been identified as being at high risk of developing pressure damage: you should ensure the appropriate equipment is in place for the patient before they go home. The equipment they have in hospital should be reflected in their equipment provision at home. 

Please liaise with your discharge co-ordinators and District Nursing Teams who will help support the process.