3 quality of life: Patient safety and satisfaction

The UK has an ageing population with the fastest population increase being in those individuals aged 85 years and over; by 2035, it is projected that the number of people aged 85 years and over will reach 3.5 million. With the increasing population, we can assume that the number of acute, chronic and infected wounds will also increase. The Department of Health has been clear that patients should be kept at the heart of everything we do and as such, should be actively involved in the decision-making process relating to their care plans. It is vital that all practitioners are aware of the quality agenda and how to successfully engage patients in the decision-making process that will ultimately improve patient wellbeing.