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Specific Cancers
Specific Cancers:
Safe Soft Bandaging
It is RUH hospital policy to remove all compression bandaging during an inpatient stay due to the increased risk of pressure ulcer development and a safe soft bandage to be applied.
Safe soft bandaging is not compression and when applied correctly can be done by all healthcare professionals.
Safe soft bandaging is used:
- In the acute setting where all compression must be removed
- In the management of lymphorrhea* (leaky limb)
- To provide support and comfort to a swollen limb
Watch our video
A 3-minute video has been produced to aid in the application of a safe soft bandage. This video is to be used in conjunction with the following RUH PDF documents:
Protocol for Managing Leg Ulcers
Care of Common Skin & Tissue Viability Problems
Further information
For further advice please contact the relevant RUH specialist:
- Lymphoedema Practitioner 01225 821501
- Tissue Viability Team 01225 821112
- Vascular Nurse 01225 824441
*lymphorrhoea (the leakage of lymphatic fluid through the skin) can occur when there is an acute oedema or an exacerbation of existing oedema, when the rate of swelling is greater than the rate the skin is able to stretch (Ling et al 1997). Lymphorrhea may increase the risk of infection, have a negative impact on wound healing and increase hospital length of stay.