Links between nutrition and pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and wound healing are well known and documented (Saghaleini et al, 2018). Less well documented is the link between hydration and pressure care. It was recognised that many patients admitted to acute hospitals are dehydrated (El-Sharkawy et al, 2015); this is particularly relevant to Gastroenterology patients based on the classifications of dehydration (Posthauer, 2016), although all patients are at risk. Dehydration status is not routinely assessed without painful and costly blood tests. Through the use of an adapted version of the GULP Dehydration risk screening tool (Food First Nutrition and Dietetics Team, 2012) and the implementation of a hydration-focussed care plan, it may be possible for a nurse-led assessment to identify dehydration risk and plan care accordingly. A pilot study showed that 50% of the sample group gained an improved level of hydration throughout their hospital admission and a decrease in their Waterlow score.
