Wound Care Policy

Introduction

Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are committed to providing consistent, evidence based quality care in the management and treatment of wounds for all patients. This will incorporate a holistic assessment and demonstrate patient/carer involvement in the care provided.

This policy forms part of Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s commitment to create a positive culture of respect for all individuals including staff, patients, their families and carers as well as community partners. The intention is to identify, remove or minimise discriminatory practice in the areas of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age and ‘religion, belief, faith and spirituality’ as well as to promote positive practice and value the diversity of all individuals and communities.

Scope

This policy applies to all employed clinical staff, qualified and unqualified, bank and agency staff required to work in clinical areas. This includes but is not limited to medical staff, nurses, allied healthcare professional (AHP) and health care assistants (HCA).

Aim

The aim is to provide consistent individualised high quality care in wound management for all patients/clients of Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by providing:

• a standardised and holistic approach to wound care, whilst taking into account individuals preferences and beliefs
• effective wound management which is delivered by staff with the appropriate knowledge and skills
• symptom control and management when wound healing is not the primary objective i.e. for palliative patients
• clinically effective wound management dressings which are available and utilised for optimum wound healing, patient comfort and cost effectiveness

Policy Details

See also:

• Quality Standards for Health Record-Keeping Policy
• Infection, Prevention and Control Policy
• Nutritional Care Bundle
• Medical Photography and Patient Images Policy and Procedure
• Waste Management Policy
• Pressure Area Management Policy