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CHW147-Wound Care and Management Policy

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Wound Care and Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Wound Care and Management Policy is to ensure that all individuals using the services of {{org_field_name}} receive safe, effective, person-centred, and evidence-based wound care. This policy aims to prevent, identify, assess, and manage wounds effectively to promote healing, minimise complications, and enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals. It supports the legal duties placed upon service providers under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, and the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017. The policy also reflects the Welsh Government’s commitment to dignity, human rights, and high-quality outcomes for all service users.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members of {{org_field_name}} who are involved in the care and support of individuals with wounds, including care assistants, nurses, team leaders, and the Registered Manager. It also informs visiting healthcare professionals, service users, their families, and CIW inspectors of our approach to wound care and management.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

4. Policy Statement and Procedures

4.1 Prevention of Wounds

We adopt a proactive approach to prevent the occurrence of wounds, particularly pressure ulcers. On admission, each individual undergoes a thorough risk assessment using evidence-based tools (e.g. the Waterlow Scale), completed by appropriately trained staff. This includes evaluating skin integrity, nutritional status, mobility, continence, and co-existing health conditions.

Preventative actions include:

4.2 Identification and Assessment of Wounds

Any wound identified is assessed immediately by a trained member of staff. The assessment includes:

Assessments are documented clearly within the individual’s personal plan and reviewed at appropriate intervals, or sooner if the wound changes in presentation.

Staff do not work beyond their competence. Complex or non-healing wounds are referred without delay to the relevant community nursing or specialist tissue viability team, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach in line with the individual’s needs.

4.3 Personalised Wound Care Plans

A personalised wound care plan is developed collaboratively with the individual, their family (if appropriate), and relevant healthcare professionals. This plan:

All plans are regularly updated based on wound progress and any changes in condition.

4.4 Infection Prevention and Control

Infection control is integral to wound care. All wound care is carried out using aseptic or clean technique (depending on guidance from community nurses). Standard precautions include:

Infected wounds are isolated and monitored. Any outbreaks of wound-related infection are reported promptly via the appropriate channels, including to {{org_field_outbreaks_support_local_health_protection_team_website}} and {{org_field_reporting_outbreaks_local_public_health_website}}.

4.5 Pain and Comfort Management

Pain is recognised as a significant barrier to wound healing. Staff assess pain using appropriate tools and document interventions taken. Individuals are supported with prescribed analgesia, and efforts are made to ensure all dressing changes are conducted with dignity, compassion, and sensitivity to emotional and physical distress.

4.6 Training and Competence

Only staff who have received formal training and demonstrated competence in wound care provide such interventions. Training is refreshed at least annually. Our Registered Manager, {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}, oversees the monitoring of training records and ensures continuous professional development.

Specialist support and updates are sourced through local NHS partners and professional networks. Staff are encouraged to escalate concerns, reflect on practice, and report any observed decline in wound care quality.

4.7 Communication and Recording

Accurate and timely recording of all wound care interventions is essential. This includes:

Records are kept securely and shared with health professionals as needed, in line with data protection and confidentiality policies.

4.8 Escalation and Referral

When wounds deteriorate, fail to heal, or show signs of systemic infection (e.g. fever, spreading redness), staff are trained to escalate promptly. The GP and community nursing team are informed without delay, and the individual is monitored closely. Where appropriate, a safeguarding referral may also be made to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} if neglect or abuse is suspected, with oversight from the {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} in their role as {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}.

4.9 Monitoring and Review

The quality of wound care is audited monthly. Audits include:

Findings inform our Quality of Care Review process, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed CIW expectations. This is in accordance with CIW guidance on quality of care reviewand in alignment with the SOFI2 framework for person-centred outcomes.

5. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there is a change in legislation, best practice guidance, or in response to an incident or concern raised by staff, individuals, families, or CIW. The policy is approved by the Registered Manager and any updates are communicated to all staff through formal supervision, training, and internal bulletins.

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.

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