CHW102-Leg Ulcer Management and Prevention Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Leg Ulcer Management and Prevention Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of leg ulcers within {{org_field_name}}. This policy ensures that all residents receive appropriate care and treatment in accordance with the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, and NICE clinical guidelines on wound management. The policy aims to promote best practices in wound care, reduce the incidence of leg ulcers, enhance the healing process, and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all care and clinical staff at {{org_field_name}}, including nurses, healthcare assistants, and other team members involved in the prevention and treatment of leg ulcers. It covers risk assessment, early intervention, treatment strategies, infection control, training, and documentation. It ensures that residents at risk of or suffering from leg ulcers receive person-centred, evidence-based care.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy: Ensuring safe clinical procedures are followed.
CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy: Delivering tailored care to meet individual needs.
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy: Reducing the risk of infection in wound management.
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy: Identifying risks and implementing preventive measures.
CHW27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy: Ensuring staff receive appropriate training on wound care management.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for residents at risk of or suffering from leg ulcers. Our goal is to prevent leg ulcers through effective risk assessment, promote early intervention, and ensure optimal treatment when ulcers occur. We strive to maintain a safe and supportive environment where residents receive care that promotes healing, reduces complications, and enhances overall well-being.

5. Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies

To prevent leg ulcers, our care team follows a structured risk assessment process:

Initial and Ongoing Assessments: All residents undergo a skin integrity assessment upon admission and at regular intervals thereafter.
Identifying Risk Factors: Residents with limited mobility, diabetes, venous insufficiency, or a history of leg ulcers are monitored closely.
Preventive Measures: These include maintaining good skin hygiene, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, promoting mobility, and using pressure-relieving devices where necessary.
Compression Therapy: For residents with venous insufficiency, compression bandaging or hosiery may be used under medical guidance.

6. Identification and Early Intervention

Early detection of leg ulcers improves healing outcomes and reduces complications. Staff are trained to:

Recognise early warning signs such as redness, swelling, pain, or skin breakdown.
Document and report any changes in skin integrity to the nurse in charge.
Implement prescribed interventions, such as applying emollients to prevent dry skin and ensuring residents’ legs are elevated when necessary.

7. Wound Care and Treatment Protocol

If a resident develops a leg ulcer, the following treatment protocol is followed:

Assessment and Diagnosis: A full assessment, including wound measurement, colour, exudate level, and signs of infection, is conducted by trained nursing staff.
Cleaning and Dressing: Wounds are cleansed with sterile saline or wound-appropriate cleansing agents, and appropriate dressings are applied.
Moisture Balance: Dressings are selected based on the wound type to maintain an optimal moisture balance for healing.
Infection Control: Signs of infection are closely monitored, and any suspected infection is reported to a GP or tissue viability specialist.
Pain Management: Pain relief is provided as required, using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
Multidisciplinary Involvement: Where necessary, referrals are made to GPs, tissue viability nurses, podiatrists, and dietitians.

8. Infection Control Measures

Leg ulcers can become infected, leading to serious complications. To minimise infection risk, {{org_field_name}} follows strict infection control measures:

Aseptic Technique: All wound dressings are performed using an aseptic technique to prevent contamination.
Hand Hygiene: Staff wash hands thoroughly before and after providing wound care.
Use of PPE: Gloves and aprons are worn during dressing changes.
Proper Waste Disposal: All used dressings and materials are disposed of in accordance with infection control protocols.

9. Nutrition and Lifestyle Support

Good nutrition plays a vital role in wound healing. Residents with leg ulcers receive dietary support, including:

Adequate Protein Intake: Essential for tissue repair and healing.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation: Particularly vitamin C, zinc, and iron, where clinically indicated.
Hydration Monitoring: Ensuring residents remain well-hydrated to support circulation and skin health.

10. Training and Competency of Staff

To ensure high standards of care, staff at {{org_field_name}} receive regular training in:

Leg ulcer risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Best practice in wound dressing application and aseptic technique.
Identifying and managing wound infection.
The role of compression therapy in venous ulcer management.
Person-centred care approaches in wound management.

11. Documentation and Record-Keeping

Accurate documentation is essential for monitoring wound healing and ensuring continuity of care. Staff must:

Record all wound assessments, including size, depth, exudate, and tissue type.
Document dressing changes, including the type of dressing used and frequency of changes.
Report and log any deterioration or signs of infection in the resident’s care plan.

12. Managing Leg Ulcer Care Efficiently

To provide efficient leg ulcer care, {{org_field_name}} employs the following strategies:

Wound Care Schedules: Ensuring residents receive timely dressing changes and assessments.
Regular Care Plan Reviews: Updating care plans based on wound progress and treatment response.
Effective Stock Management: Ensuring that all necessary wound care products and PPE are readily available.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Establishing strong links with tissue viability teams and GPs to ensure specialist input when required.
Resident and Family Education: Providing information on prevention strategies, wound care, and lifestyle changes to support healing.

13. Responsibilities

Care Staff: Responsible for daily monitoring, reporting concerns, and following wound care protocols.
Nursing Staff: Conduct wound assessments, administer appropriate treatments, and liaise with healthcare professionals.
Registered Manager: Ensures policy compliance, facilitates staff training, and oversees care standards.
GPs and Tissue Viability Nurses: Provide specialist guidance and prescribe appropriate treatments when required.

14. Compliance with CIW Regulations

This policy ensures compliance with CIW regulations by:

Providing proactive and evidence-based leg ulcer management.
Ensuring high standards of infection prevention and control.
Maintaining detailed and accurate records to support care continuity and regulatory inspections.
Offering staff training to maintain competence and expertise in wound management.

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or updated in response to new clinical guidelines, CIW regulations, or best practice recommendations. Any amendments will be communicated to all relevant staff to ensure continued compliance and excellence in care provision.

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}}
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