Supporting the 2025 STOP The Pressure Campaign
Posted on in Medical Negligence
Between 17 and 21 November 2025, our medical negligence team is proud to support the annual International “STOP The Pressure” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and reduce the number of avoidable pressure injuries.
This year’s theme, “What matters to me is…”, focuses on putting patients’ voices at the heart of care. The message is simple but powerful: “Let’s stop pressure ulcers by starting with what matters most – the people we care for.”
The campaign reaches across all areas of healthcare, from A&E and hospital wards to care homes and end-of-life settings. It highlights the importance of truly listening to patients, understanding their needs, and making meaningful improvements in how care is delivered to see genuine improvements in patient safety.
Pressure injuries can affect anyone. By supporting this campaign, we’re helping to promote better awareness, earlier intervention, and safer care for all patients.
What is a Pressure Ulcer, and how are they graded?
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, pressure injuries, and bedsores, occur when an area of damage to the skin and underlying tissue.
They are primarily caused by prolonged or intense pressure on an area of the skin, which begins to blanch and break down leading to an ulcer either gradually or over a few hours.
Pressure sores are graded between 1 and 4, depending on their severity:
- Grade 1: The skin is intact but may appear discoloured, hard, itchy, and may feel warm to the touch.
- Grade 2: Partial skin loss presenting as an open wound or a blister.
- Grade 3: Full-thickness skin loss. The underlying muscle and bone will be undamaged. The sore will look like a deep wound.
- Grade 4: Full thickness skin loss with damage to the muscle or bone, which may be exposed and can become infected.
Who is at increased risk of developing a Pressure Ulcer?
Whilst pressure injuries can affect anyone, certain patients face a higher risk of developing them. These include those who:
- Experience limited mobility;
- Struggle with incontinence;
- Are underweight or frail;
- Have poor circulation or delicate skin;
- Have reduced sensation;
- Have a history of severe pressure ulcers.
- Have a previous grade 3 or 4 pressure ulcer.
Patients in hospitals and care settings are especially vulnerable because they often have one or more of these risk factors.
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
The Society of Tissue Viability’s 2025 STOP The Pressure campaign highlights that pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) can develop anywhere — even in ambulances or A&E. Early action is vital, and every patient should have their risk assessed as soon as care begins.
The most common assessment used by the NHS is the Waterlow Score, which looks at factors such as mobility, skin condition, weight, continence, appetite, and recent surgery or illness.
- A score of 10–14 means at risk.
- A score of 20+ means very high risk.
If someone is at high risk, healthcare staff should:
- Help them change position regularly (or do this for them if they can’t move themselves)
- Provide pressure-relieving equipment like special mattresses or cushions
- Keep skin clean and dry
- Check skin regularly for early signs of damage
Treating Pressure Ulcers
If a pressure ulcer develops, the following steps are essential:
- Regularly reposition the person using a turning schedule
- Use pressure-relieving equipment
- Get advice from a Tissue Viability Nurse
- Keep the wound clean and dressed, with frequent checks
What To Do If You or a Loved One Has Developed a Pressure Ulcer
At Tozers, we help clients who have suffered avoidable pressure ulcers — often leading to serious, long-term harm.
We support the STOP The Pressure campaign and hope it encourages better awareness, prevention, and patient safety across the UK.
If you or a family member developed a pressure ulcer while under medical or nursing care, our specialist clinical negligence team can discuss your situation and advise whether you may have a claim.