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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Wound Care and Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the effective and safe prevention, assessment, treatment, and management of wounds within {{org_field_name}}. Our approach aligns with evidence-based best practices, NHS guidelines, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards to promote wound healing, prevent complications, and enhance the quality of life for service users.

By implementing structured wound care protocols, staff training, and robust monitoring systems, we ensure that all wounds are managed efficiently, reducing the risk of infections and hospital admissions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All service users requiring wound care, whether due to chronic conditions, pressure ulcers, post-surgical care, or trauma.
• All employees, including care workers, nurses, and healthcare assistants responsible for wound management.
• Healthcare professionals, including district nurses, general practitioners (GPs), and specialist wound care teams.
• Family members and caregivers involved in supporting service users at home.

It covers:

• Wound classification and assessment.
• Wound prevention strategies.
• Infection control measures.
• Wound dressing selection and application.
• Documentation and record-keeping.
• Staff training and competency assessments.
• Monitoring, reporting, and escalation procedures.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensuring safe, effective, and person-centred care.
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Governing quality and safety in care provision.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Wound Care – Promoting evidence-based best practices.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Protecting staff and service users from risks associated with wound management.
• Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) – Ensuring secure handling of medical records and wound care documentation.

4. Wound Classification and Assessment

• Initial Assessment:
  • Conducted by a trained professional upon identification of a wound.
  • Includes detailed documentation of wound type, location, size, depth, exudate level, signs of infection, and pain assessment.
  • Categorisation based on wound type:
    • Acute wounds (surgical, trauma-related, burns).
    • Chronic wounds (pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, leg ulcers).
    • Infected wounds (requiring escalation and possible antibiotic therapy).
• Ongoing Monitoring:
  • Regular wound reassessment to track healing progress.
  • Use of validated tools such as Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment (Waterlow Score).
  • Referral to specialist wound care teams for complex or non-healing wounds.

5. Wound Prevention Strategies

• Pressure Ulcer Prevention:
  • Routine skin assessments for high-risk individuals.
  • Use of pressure-relieving equipment, repositioning techniques, and hydration management.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention:
  • Regular foot checks for diabetic service users.
  • Education on foot hygiene and proper footwear.
• Surgical Site Infection Prevention:
  • Adherence to aseptic techniques when managing post-operative wounds.
  • Monitoring for early signs of infection and timely escalation.

6. Infection Control Measures

• Hand Hygiene Protocols:
  • Mandatory handwashing before and after wound care procedures.
  • Use of disposable gloves and aprons to prevent cross-contamination.
• Aseptic Wound Dressing Techniques:
  • Single-use sterile dressings and equipment.
  • Proper disposal of used dressings following clinical waste disposal protocols.
• Wound Swabbing and Microbiological Testing:
  • If infection is suspected, swabbing and referral to GPs or tissue viability nurses.
• Antibiotic Stewardship:
  • Ensuring antibiotics are prescribed based on clinical necessity to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

7. Wound Dressing Selection and Application

• Dressing Types and Indications:
  • Hydrocolloid dressings for dry wounds.
  • Foam dressings for moderate exudate control.
  • Alginate dressings for highly exuding wounds.
  • Antimicrobial dressings for infected wounds.
• Dressing Frequency and Change Protocols:
  • Dressings are changed according to wound type, exudate level, and manufacturer guidelines.
  • Proper documentation of dressing changes and wound healing progress.

8. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Comprehensive Wound Care Records:
  • Wound assessment forms completed at every dressing change.
  • Documentation of progress, pain levels, and any complications.
• Electronic and Paper-Based Records:
  • Secure storage of all wound care documentation in compliance with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
• Communication with Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT):
  • Timely referrals and updates to district nurses, tissue viability nurses, and GPs.

9. Staff Training and Competency Assessments

• Mandatory Wound Care Training:
  • All care staff must undergo wound management training, including dressing application techniques.
• Competency Assessments:
  • Regular skills assessments to ensure staff proficiency in wound care.
• Supervision and Support:
  • Ongoing guidance from senior care professionals and wound care specialists.

10. Monitoring, Reporting, and Escalation Procedures

• Wound Care Review Meetings:
  • Regular MDT meetings to review complex wound cases.
• Incident Reporting for Wound Deterioration:
  • Immediate reporting of non-healing wounds, infection signs, or adverse reactions.
• Escalation Pathways:
  • Referral to specialist wound clinics, hospitals, or tissue viability teams when necessary.

11. Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Regular Audits:
  • Monthly wound care audits to assess compliance and quality of care.
• Service User Feedback:
  • Encouraging service users to provide feedback on pain management and wound healing experiences.
• Policy Updates:

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if best practice guidelines or CQC regulations change.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.