Trust's Pad Project featured in the Nursing Times

The Pad Project, a Trust-born improvement project, has been showcased in the Nursing Times.

Focused on reducing the inappropriate use of continence pads on hospital wards, the Pad Project is proving to have a big impact on the comfort, safety and recovery of patients, while saving the Trust thousands of pounds each year and reducing the Trust's environmental impact.

The powerful teaching programme has led to a 50 per cent increase in patients wearing the correct continence pad.

Hands-on training and education aims to ensure the correct continence pads are used in the right way, on the right patients and only when needed, while an Underwear Bank has been created for patients without underwear in hospital.

You can find the article on the Nursing Times website www.nursingtimes.net/bladder-and-bowel/reducing-inappropriate-continence-pad-use-on-hospital-wards-23-04-2025/ 

Improving quality of care, while making financial savings

The Pad Project was introduced to three wards as part of an audit in 2023, resulting in a 50 per cent increase in patients with the correct pads and a reduction in moisture-associated skin damage.

Alongside improving the safety and quality of care for patients, the Pad Project has a projected annual saving of more than £6,000 across three wards for 12 months.

There is also a positive environmental impact through a reduction in waste.

Why is it important patients wear the correct pad?

The best type of pad for each patient is determined by factors such as mobility, continence status and time of day.

By taking the time to get it right for each patient, nursing teams can improve comfort, help to maintain dignity, prevent tissue damage and the risk of infection and overall deterioration.

The foundations of good continence care are patient-centred care, thorough assessment and monitoring and a proactive approach to encouraging patient independence.

Next steps

The Pad Project will be revisited and introduced to more wards later this year and it is hoped that learning can also be shared with teams in Bath and Salisbury.