58 days of pressure ulcer-free care | MY staff stories

On Ward 8 at Dewsbury and District Hospital, staff are working together to support patients with neck of femur (hip) fractures to stay active, motivated, and safe during their recovery.

Their approach focuses on early mobilisation, daily ward activities, and diligent skin care all aimed at helping patients regain independence and improve outcomes.

What have the team been doing?

Encouraging patients to get out of bed and into their own clothes whenever possible.

Ward 8 runs regular activities on the ward to keep patients engaged and moving. These sessions help maintain physical health and emotional wellbeing, giving patients a sense of normality and purpose during their hospital stay.

Caring for patients with reduced mobility requires extra attention to skin health. Staff have been holding refresher sessions for colleagues on practices such as turning patients and offloading heels. These sessions ensure everyone is confident and consistent in their approach.

The team uses the SSKIN booklet, a tool that tracks each patient’s skin care. These regular audits help ensure all patients receive the care and that documentation is accurate.

The team have seen positive results, such as:

• Patients are moving more and participating in their care
• Staff feel supported by structured routines and regular training
• Care standards are consistently met across the ward

Katie Sands, Ward Manager said:

Our goal on Ward 8 is to help every patient stay active, safe, and confident during their recovery. By encouraging movement, running daily activities, and focusing on consistent skin care, we’re not only supporting patients physically but also boosting their independence and wellbeing. Seeing patients take small steps and make progress each day is incredibly rewarding for the whole team.

Moving forward, Ward 8 continues to build on these initiatives, sharing learning across teams and exploring ways to further improve patient experience.