The heel of the foot is particularly susceptible to pressure, friction and shear forces. In consequence, heel pressure ulcers account for approximately 18% of all hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in England. To ameliorate the effects of friction and shear forces, the use of heel protectors made from silk-like fabric is recommended. This article outlines how one such product, the Parafricta bootee (APA Parafricta), has facilitated a reduction in heel pressure ulcer development, resulting in both time and cost savings in an acute NHS trust over the course of 8 years and thousands of patients. A cost-analysis will also be detailed to show that if the products and processes pioneered by this trust were used throughout NHS England, over £300 million in resource savings could be achieved each year.
