Minister sees how innovative new technology is improving the care of older people in care homes

In 2015, Dr Margaret Flynn published ‘In Search of Accountability’, a report that reviewed the neglect of older people living in care homes in South East Wales, investigated as Operation Jasmine. The report recommended the development of an open and transparent reporting system for serious pressure damage to skin, known as pressure ulcers, in the care home sector in Wales.

During his visit, the Minister saw the work that has been underway in a number of care homes to develop a new web-based application, which is being used to improve staff practice to better support the identification, classification, care and management of pressure ulcers. The application can be used in any care setting and provides staff with the support and guidance they need to identify and accurately classify and report serious pressure ulcers. 

The system includes illustrative examples of skin damage to help staff determine the extent of damage they are seeing in their patients to more accurately determine the best treatment, and to prevent further damage. The guidance is based on the All Wales Tissue Viability Nurse guidance thus supporting standardisation in the care pathway.

It has been developed thanks to funding from the Welsh Government’s Efficiency Through Technology Programme. The long term goal is to make this system available throughout Wales.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“The Flynn report marked a sea-change in pressure ulcer prevention, care and management.  Since the report was published, the Welsh Government has been determined to improve the care of those living in our care homes.

“The tool I’ve seen in action today is a great example of the way innovative new technology is being used to support pressure ulcer recognition, management and reporting.  

“I’m especially pleased to see organisations from across social care, health, informatics, the regulators and indeed the Welsh Wound Innovation Centre working together to co-produce innovative technologies to improve the quality of care that we provide.”