The hidden cost of pressure injuries: real results from a New Zealand hospital
Heel pressure injuries are not only painful for patients, they also create a significant financial burden for healthcare facilities.
A hospital in New Zealand implemented the Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution as part of its heel pressure injury prevention strategy. The results demonstrated that investing in effective heel offloading can improve patient outcomes while reducing overall healthcare costs.
The Challenge
Heel pressure injuries are among the most costly preventable complications in healthcare. They can lead to:
- Longer hospital stays
- Increased nursing workload
- Additional wound care costs
- Reduced patient comfort and mobility
Preventing these injuries is considerably less expensive than treating them. In fact, preventing a heel pressure injury can be up to seven times less costly than managing one after it develops.
The Results
Following implementation of the Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution, the hospital reported measurable improvements.
Cost Savings
$21,500 saved within 6 months
This translated into:
- Approximately $3,000 saved per month
- An estimated $36,800 annual saving
Beyond the Financial Impact
Healthcare professionals also reported several practical benefits:
- Easier Cleaning
The device can be cleaned quickly and efficiently, helping maintain hygiene standards while reducing caregiver workload. - Patient Mobility
Unlike many traditional heel protection solutions, patients were able to mobilize when appropriate without removing the device. - Positive Patient Experiences
Patients reported high levels of comfort and acceptance, supporting compliance with prevention protocols.
Why Effective Heel Offloading Matters
Heel pressure injuries are often preventable when pressure is removed from the heel before tissue damage occurs.
Effective heel offloading can help healthcare facilities:
- Reduce the incidence of heel pressure injuries
- Lower treatment and care costs
- Improve operational efficiency
- Support better patient outcomes
- Reduce nursing time associated with wound management
The combination of clinical effectiveness and ease of use makes prevention strategies more sustainable in daily practice.
A smarter approach to heel protection
The Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution is designed to support evidence-based heel pressure injury prevention and management. It supports heel offloading while helping protect against pressure, shear, and friction.
See the Difference in Your Facility
Discover how effective heel offloading can help improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
Try the Maxxcare Heel Pro Evolution in your facility.
* The findings shown on this page are based on an independent study conducted in a New Zealand hospital setting. For access to the complete document and, please contact us.
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