23 January 2026

Our hospital has launched a digital project that is transforming how pressure injuries are recorded, reviewed and treated across hospital wards, improving patient safety while saving valuable clinical time.

Through close collaboration between ward teams, IT, Pharmacy and the Prevention of Avoidable Harm Council, every ward now has access to a secure iPad stored within Omnicell cabinets. These devices allow staff to photograph pressure injuries (Category 2 and above) and attach them directly to patient records and incident reports.

Previously, wards did not have the technology to capture clinical images, meaning specialist teams often had to visit in person to assess wounds. With a small Tissue Viability team, this could delay reviews. The new system provides instant visual information, enabling faster expert input and more accurate documentation.

Images are shared securely through a digital platform and are automatically deleted after use, ensuring both data security and sustainability.

The impact is already clear. In July, 0% of Category 2+ pressure injuries were recorded due to the lack of technology. Today, over 30% are captured, with a target of 80% by the end of the financial year.

Senior Tissue Viability Nurse, Stuart Elliott, said: “As a small team, we simply couldn’t review every pressure injury in person, and it took time. IT were fantastic in helping us use existing iPads at no cost and set up a secure way to share photographs.

“Images are deleted automatically after 48 hours, which keeps everything safe and compliant. This has transformed how quickly and effectively we can review wounds and improve patient safety.”

Marcus Garman, Digital Principal Programme Manager, added: “As part of the Trust’s Clinical Virtual Desktop Infrastructure programme, we identified that clinical photos were being taken on a mix of cameras and phones, which was difficult to manage and posed a security risk.

“By consolidating this into a single, secure solution using iPads and Teams, we’ve made the process safer, easier and more efficient. 14 iPads are now in use across wards and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This is a great example of clinical teams and Digital working together to solve a real problem.”

Ward Sister at Colwell Ward, Joan Pedrozo, said: “This allows us to easily record and photograph pressure and tissue injuries and send them straight to the specialist teams. It’s much faster, more efficient and very easy to use, it makes a real difference on the ward.”

The project also relied on vital support from Pharmacy, with special thanks to Rachel Hartup, Pharmacy Operational Manager, for enabling the secure storage of iPads within Omnicell cabinets.

From idea to delivery in under a year, this collaborative initiative is a powerful example of how digital innovation can enhance patient care, reduce risk and support frontline teams to deliver safer, faster treatment.