Copper dressings for new mothers

CoPPeR is being tested in wound dressings as a way to help prevent infections developing in caesarean incisions or tears that occur during childbirth.

About 10 per cent of new mothers develop an infection, which can extend their stay in hospital and interfere with their ability to care for their baby.

As part of a trial at Croydon health Services nhS Trust, 750 women will be given either a dressing with added copper fibres or standard dressings: the results will be compared after 30 days.

Copper has been shown to have antibacterial effects, and is also thought to help with the growth of new blood vessels, so boosting wound healing.