Wound Care and February 2016 Lymphoedema Service
Contents Introduction... 2 About the service... 2 Service provision... 2 Advice, education and training... 4 Service locations and hours of operation... 5 Referral criteria... 5 Referral process... 6 Contact... 6 2
Introduction On 1 March 2016, a new Wound Care and Lymphoedema Service will launch in Bury. Pennine Care was awarded the service following a competitive tender. The service will replace the treatment room and tissue viability services, currently delivered by Pennine Care. It will provide high quality and evidence-based comprehensive assessment, management, treatment and prevention for patients with wounds, leg ulcers or lymphoedema. There is a commitment to ensuring that: Services are available on an equitable basis Care wraps around the patient/carer General practice and primary care is at the centre of care delivery There is a reduced reliance on emergency and acute care Self-care is a key focus to improve people s confidence, independence and quality of life About the service Service provision Wound care Post-operative care following removal of dressings, sutures and clips from wounds Removal of clips and sutures Care of all types of wounds Leg ulcers Management of leg ulcers Assessment of lower limb circulation (to facilitate appropriate use of dressings and design appropriate management plans - essentially a Doppler assessment but not exclusively) 3
Tissue viability Management of skin ulcers Lower leg and Doppler assessment Comprehensive assessment of patients to ensure optimal conditions to aid recovery Lymphoedema Assessment and advice Provision of equipment to aid recovery and prevent pressure ulcers, e.g. mattresses and other protection devices There will be a key focus on prevention, particularly in relation to lymphoedema, to reduce the risk of deterioration, or of people developing the condition in the first place. The team will be working closely with Pennine Care s Podiatry Service, to develop a joint pathway for high risk foot patients. There will also be some parallel clinics. This will help to ensure people experience seamless care, reduce the number of appointments they need to attend and provide a better experience overall. All patients will receive an individual treatment plan detailing their care pathway, medication, any developments in their condition etc. This will ensure that all healthcare professionals involved in their care are fully informed and up to date. Advice, education and training For patients: There will be a key focus on providing education and information to patients to enable them to better manage their own condition. This will support patients to feel more confident, have greater independence and a better quality of life overall. It will also free up clinicians time to support patients with more complex needs. For professionals: The team will also provide advice, information and training to professionals who are involved in caring for patients with wounds, ulcers or lymphoedema, to equip them with the necessary skills. This includes, but is not exhaustive of, GPs, vascular and diabetes professionals, district nurses, staff working at the Walk in Centre, nursing home staff and wider community healthcare professionals. 4
Training topics will include pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, wound management products, aspects of wound assessment and more. Further details will be provided in due course. Service locations and opening hours The service will operate 52 weeks a year and will support the primary care operating times of 8am to 8pm, with weekend provision. Clinics will be based across the borough to support care closer to patients homes. Referral criteria The service is for people who meet the following criteria. The patient must be: Aged 16 years or over Registered with a GP in Bury They must have/be undergoing one, or more, of the following: Leg ulcer /ABPI Larval therapy Stage 3/4 pressure ulcer Deteriorating wound or ulcer Skin tear or trauma Skin condition (e.g. eczema, hyperkeratosis) Negative pressure wound therapy Cellulitis Non-healing wound Lymphoedema Uncontrolled symptoms (e.g. odour, pain) Surgical wound 5
Referral process Contact If you would like further information, please phone the single point of access on 0300 323 3316. 6