A CAMPAIGN which could see patients leave hospital on average 13 days earlier is being rolled out across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Health chiefs have launched the Check, Protect, Refer programme – dubbed ‘CPR for feet’ – to promote patient safety and prevent harm by incorporating foot examinations into the normal admission process for inpatients.

This prevention programme will see nursing staff check each patient’s risk of developing a lesion or ulcer on the feet when coming into a ward.

If they are at risk, their feet are protected and, if they have an ulcer, they can be referred to the podiatry service.

It has been estimated that, across Scotland, the programme could prevent 75 per cent of new foot ulcers developed in hospital – and reduce stays for patients by up to 13 days.

Pauline Johnston, Practice Development Podiatrist, is leading the programme for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

She said: “Developing a foot ulcer can be stressful for patients. Not only can it delay their discharge but they may also need additional care when home.

“Foot ulcers can be preventable and the cost to the NHS is considerable, so we hope that CPR for feet will help raise awareness of the importance of foot checks in our patients.”