Phyllis Tromans

“It is likely that Mrs [name redacted]' tissue damage started during her period in the Emergency Department. On admission, her Waterlow score indicated a high risk of pressure sores. That score was underestimated and the correct score would have indicated a very high risk. She spent almost 18 hours in ED, during which time she was positioned on a trolley without pressure area care.”

“Mrs [name redacted] had a repositioning schedule in place when she was admitted to the Acute Medical Unit and subsequently to ward East Ground B. This required repositioning at no greater intervals of four hours to mitigate the risk of pressure sores. On a total of 22 occasions the schedule was not adhered to. This led to occasions where Mrs [name redacted] was left in the same position for up to 14 hours.”

“East Ground B ward had a paper version of a wound care plan which was designed to provide detailed monitoring of her skin condition and a treatment plan for pressure sore care. This was not completed at any stage.”

“The Matron's investigation into these gaps in care did not seek to establish why they had occurred. This raises a concern about the quality and efficacy of the Trust's post-death investigations which in turn raises a concern for future deaths.”