SWINDON has one of the lowest rates of critical pressure ulcers in Britain, new figures have revealed.

According to not-for-profit campaign group the Association Of Personal Injury Lawyers, the number of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, which deteriorated to a critical level stood at 140 at the Great Western Hospital, or 1.43 per cent, below the national average of 12.5 per cent in 2012-13.

Only two of these deteriorated to levels where body fat, tendons, muscle or bone were visible.

“I praise the efforts of Great Western Hospital, but not all areas are so fortunate.

“Early identification and treatment should ensure that pressure ulcers do not reach the critical point,” said Jonathan Wheeler, vice president of APIL.

“All pressure ulcers are painful, but far too many in other areas of the country are being allowed to develop to levels that will cause serious pain and take considerable time and resource to heal.”

Gill Wicks, nurse consultant, tissue viability lead for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We take a proactive approach to reducing pressure ulcers and education and training about pressure ulcers is the key to prevention.”