FWLHD launches chronic wound care clinic

The Far West Local Health District has launched a chronic and complex wound and stoma care clinic, following a 20-week trial.

Led by FWLHD Clinical Nurse Consultant Megan Jordan, the clinic provides specialised nursing care for patients with chronic and complex wounds and stomas, using a person-centred approach.

The clinic will operate one day a week from Broken Hill Hospital for all Far West LHD outpatients, with remote health services across the district able to access expert care via telehealth appointments.

“Chronic wounds can be extremely difficult to manage; for instance, a patient with a slow-healing ulcer who also has diabetes may need a referral to a diabetes educator or dietician to support their wound healing,” Jordan said.

The correct assessment and involvement from a multidisciplinary healthcare team, with tailored management, can vastly improve patient outcomes, according to FWLHD.

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “This clinic has already had many benefits, including improvements in the delivery of care, reduction in time and costs for patients, improved quality of life and reduced visits to hospital.

“The clinic provides a much-needed setting where people with more complex or difficult-to-heal wounds can be seen and a comprehensive wound-care plan can be developed in consultation with the patient and their family.”

Feedback from patients who have attended the clinic has been positive, with many reporting feeling better informed about their individual care needs, as well as receiving good education in wound-care management.

The Chronic and Complex Wound and Stoma Clinic service uses a shared model of care approach, meaning the patient, their family and their GP are all involved in the wound or stoma care plan. Additionally, patients in the clinic can be supported in a shared model of care with other outpatient wound-care services across FWLHD; for example, shared care with the Broken Hill Nurse-Led Wound Clinic or community nursing.

Director Clinical Governance FWLHD Wendy Gleeson said: “This clinic provides specialised nursing care that is person-centred and promotes coordination of care for patients with comprehensive and complex wound-care needs.”

Incorporating a telehealth care model has further enhanced access to this service for patients and their carers, Gleeson said.

Image caption: Megan Jordan (sitting) and Wendy Gleeson (FWLHD Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Director Clinical Governance) with William Maher. Image source: FWLHD.