This annual event is an initiative of the South Central Strategic Health Authority’s Patient Safety Federation’s ‘No Needless Skin Breakdown’ group. The ‘Protect Your Birthday Suit’ campaign aims to raise awareness within clinical areas as well as with the public and this year will focus on raising the profile of leg ulcers and pressure ulcers.
As part of this campaign, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Community Tissue Viability Service will be running a “Protect your Birthday Suit” roadshow across Oxfordshire.
Using the NHS Health Bus, the team will be hosting three events in Banbury, Abingdon and Witney.
The team will be talking to members of the public, promoting the importance of looking after your legs to help reduce the risk of getting a leg ulcer.
The events will offer:
- Advice from Tissue Viability Nurses on prevention strategies and the risks associated with pressure damage.
- Signposting to appropriate healthcare providers if further support is needed.
- Written information for members of the public to take away.
- The opportunity to be “pressure mapped”. (This is done using a computerised programme that shows where the pressure points are when a person is sitting).
- The chance to test various pieces of equipment
Sarah Gardner, Clinical Lead, Tissue Viability Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to get involved in the Protect Your Birthday Suit campaign. As Tissue Viability nurses (Wound Care Specialists) we mainly see patients who have already developed leg ulcers or pressure ulcers (bedsores), the impact of which can significantly affect their quality of life.
By raising public awareness through these road shows, those who may be at risk of developing skin breakdown will be able to take proactive steps to avoid occurrence of these conditions”.
See the roadshow in action from 9.30am to 4.00pm:
Monday 26 September, Bridge Street, Banbury (outside Marks & Spencer)
Wednesday 28 September, Market Square, Abingdon
Friday 30 September, Market Square, Witney
Published: 22 September 2011