Angy Mokgothu & Lungiswa Mvumvu

The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) wound care team held pressure injury prevention awareness seminar under the theme: "Zero tolerance for pressure injuries". 
The purpose of this seminar was to raise awareness of pressure injuries (both hospital acquired and inherited) amongst healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities. 
The hospitals in attendance included: Far East Rand, Pholosong, Thelle Mogoerane, Kopanong, Sebokeng, South Rand, Leratong, Bheki Mlangeni, Sedibeng, Tambo Memorial and Yusuf Dadoo.
The seminar was opened by the CMJAH CEO, Gladys Bogoshi who stressed the importance of multidisciplinary intervention in the provision of quality healthcare. 
Bogoshi commended all healthcare workers for the excellent work they do to ensure that patients do not develop pressure injuries under our care. She further encouraged healthcare workers to continue giving patients the best care possible.
Training and Development specialist, Azwi Tshitereke said that the primary objective is to provide the finest care to patients who are at risk of pressure injuries and promote their prevention because excellent skin care is an attribute of quality health care.
"Hospitals should practice pressure injury prevention because it is more cost effective to prevent pressure injuries than to treat one," she said.
Sister Mercy Mashiane said that the occurrence of skin breakdown and pressure injuries has become a standard by which hospitals are evaluated and assessed with the development of pressure injuries recognised as a patient safety risk as they can increase morbidity and mortality. 
"They are caused by prolonged, unrelieved pressure against the skin and underlying tissues which is exacerbated by friction and shear.  This often relates to occlusion of blood vessels which reduces tissue viability.  These are preventable if appropriate measures are implemented," added Sister Mashiane.
 Patients at risk to develop pressure injuries are patients with: Decreased mobility; Impaired sensory perception; Previous pressure ulcer and skin conditions; Impaired cognition; Nutritional deficiencies; Poor skin tolerance; Disease/illness/surgery; Incontinence as well as Co-morbidities such as diabetes.
In 2019, following a need to minimise the risk and avoid unnecessary pressure injuries within health facilities, a Pressure Injury Committee was formed.
The chairperson, Jolene Fenyana said the team includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians and support staff.  
Concluding the seminar, Sister Martha Pule, the Nursing Director stressed the importance of going back to nursing basics, which including proper communication during handover and turning the patients regularly.