When should a Safeguarding Adult Concern be raised?

• Where a failure to assess risk adequately has resulted in an adult at risk developing a pressure ulcer.
• Where an adult at risk develops a pressure ulcer and a care plan is not in place or has not been followed.
• Where an adult at risk develops a pressure ulcer, does not have appropriate equipment provided in a timely manner or staff are not trained in using equipment.
• Where an adult at risk develops a pressure ulcer and repositioning / turning charts not used or are not completed.
• A Safeguarding Adult Concern should be made when an adult at risk develops a pressure ulcer and specialist advice has not been sought.
• Where an adult develops a grade 3 pressure sore there is a responsibility to notify CQC and follow Department of Health guidance (link below).

The key indicator is whether the development of a pressure ulcer was avoidable, if so a Safeguarding Adult Concern must be made.

When don't I need to report a Safeguarding Adult Concern?

• A Safeguarding Adult Concern does not need to be made when an adult at risk has developed a pressure ulcer which was unavoidable and a care plan is in place and has been followed, repositioning / turning charts have been completed, necessary equipment is in place and staff are appropriately trained.

The Department of Health has issued guidance about pressure ulcers and safeguardinghttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/675192/CSW_ulcer_protocol_guidance.pdf. The guidance includes an assessment that should be completed by a qualified medical professional before determining whether a safeguarding concern should be raised.