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Greater than 5 years. This resource was developed, reviewed or revised more than 5 years ago and may no longer reflect current evidence or best practice.
What are they?
  • Sores or broken skin on a pressure point on  the body that develop due to pressure of lying or sitting
What causes them?
  • Lying or sitting in one position for long periods
How to avoid them
  • Try and move or change position as much as possible
  • If you are confined to bed, a palliative care or community nurse can show your carers how to move you properly
  • Special mattresses are available and may be useful (see your community nurse or palliative care team for more information)
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