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What is the Leeds Community Tissue Viability Service?

The Leeds Community Tissue Viability Service is a nurse-led service which provides specialist advice and care to patients with, or at risk of developing, wounds.

Although many patients are referred to us by their GP, district nurse, or practice nurse, any member of the public can contact the service directly for advice.

The service is actively involved in wounds research and you may be invited to participate. If you are interested please ask any member of the team.

Who do we work with?

The Tissue Viability Nurses work closely with other community healthcare staff including nurses, GPs, dieticians, podiatrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, as well as Leeds Community Equipment Service.

Who do we care for?

The Leeds Community Tissue Viability Service  provides advice to patients with wounds such as pressure ulcers (bed sores), leg ulcers, foot ulcers and unhealed surgical wounds.

We can also provide advice to patients who may be at risk of developing wounds, e.g. people who are immobile, diabetic or who have poor circulation.

The team visits patients in their own homes, in nursing or residential homes, and patients cared for in mental health and learning disability units. The team also sees patients in clinic settings.

The service can also provide advice and support to carers looking after people with existing wounds or those at risk of developing them.

Referrals

The Tissue Viability Service will accept referral for patients that require a specialist assessment. This will usually be due to risk of tissue breakdown, patients with recurrent wounds, patients with complex wounds or needs (including co-morbidities and non-concordant patients), and patients with delayed healing (not healing within 6 weeks). Referral will usually be made by other healthcare professionals or care home staff who require specialist review, advice or support. This may be given face to face, by telephone or via review of electronic records.

Although many patients are referred to us by their GP, Neighbourhood Team, or practice nurse, any member of the public can contact the service directly for advice.

Please download the referral form

Research

Our service is actively involved in wounds research and you may be invited to participate. 

The service also delivers comprehensive educational and competency-based programmes to share evidence-based practice  and to develop a research culture where gaps in knowledge are identified. The service also maintains links to regional and national networks to gather information on the best practice within the field.

In line with current government initiatives, the Tissue Viability Service equips the community nursing workforce to deliver quality care for our patients. If you would like any further information about our research programme, please contact us on 0113 8433730.

  • A leg ulcer is an area of damaged skin below the knee which takes longer than six weeks to heal.

    Venous leg ulcers are the most common types of ulcers. They are caused by constant high blood pressure in the leg veins and the pump in the calf muscle not working efficiently.

    Blood flows back up the body assisted by the calf muscle and valves in the veins which prevent the blood flowing backwards. If the blood does not circulate properly the pressure in the veins builds up causing swelling, leaking and ultimately damage to the skin.

    (Clinical Knowledge Summaries, 2009)

    The risk factors include:

    • obesity

    • reduced mobility

    • deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

    • previous leg injury or fracture

    • varicose veins

    • increased age

    Diagnosis

    A venous leg ulcer is diagnosed by a nurse who will perform a physical examination, ask you about your medical history, and undertake a Doppler test if appropriate.

    The Doppler test requires you to lay down for 20 minutes while the blood pressure in your arms and ankles are compared to determine whether or not you have any arterial insufficiency.

    Treatment

    The nurse will apply a compression bandage which consists of 2-4 bandages. When these are applied, the high pressure is reduced and the calf muscle pump is supported, helping the blood flow properly.

    Research shows that this is the most effective treatment for venous leg ulcers.

    Footwear

    Compression bandages can be bulky so you may need to buy larger footwear or ask your nurse to prescribe you a temporary shoe.

    Pain

    Venous leg ulcers can be very painful. It is important that you take your analgesia regularly. If paracetamol is not effective you may need to visit your GP.

    Preventing ulcers reoccurring

    Once your ulcer is healed, you should wear compression (support) stockings as prescribed by your nurse or GP and visit 3 monthly, or as recommended, in order to prevent your leg ulcer returning.

    Remember ulcers are much less likely to reoccur if you wear compression stockings at all times during the day.

    The signs and symptoms include:

    • swollen ankles

    • skin discolouration and darkening

    • hardened skin

    • venous eczema (itchy, irritated skin)

    Leg ulcer clinics

    Wednesdays- Parkside Community Health Centre

    311 Dewsbury Road

    Leeds

    LS11 5LQ

    Thursdays- Park Edge Health Centre

    Asket Drive

    Leeds

    LS14 1HX

    Mondays- Yeadon Health Centre

    17 South View Road

    Leeds

    LS19 7PS

  • How does compression therapy work?

    Compression therapy is the term given to stockings and bandages that aid/assist the blood in your leg veins being pushed back up to your heart. Wearing your stockings every day will reduce the risk of your ulcer or leg swelling returning.

    Accurate sizing is essential to ensure a good fit.

    How do I care for my legs?

    Do:

    • Apply regular prescribed moisturiser to both lower limbs in a downward action.

    • Raise legs whilst resting to minimise swelling.

    • Continue to walk as much as you can and flex your ankle up and down several times a day.

    • Check your legs and feet daily for any changes/problems. Gain assistance from carer/relative if required.

      If you experience any itching, redness or breaks in the skin contact your GP or other healthcare professional without delay for medical advice.

    Do not:

    • Do not cross your legs or stand still for long periods.
    • Do not ignore any signs of problems such as redness, change in pain, itching or broken areas on your leg. Do telephone a health care professional to come and have a look.

    Do not stop using your stockings without first seeking medical advice.

    How do I wear my stockings?

    • Follow the instructions given by the healthcare professional on application of the stockings. There will be written advice available to support this.
    • Ensure they are pulled up and sit just below the knee with a two finger space between the knee and the top of the stocking.
    • Do not roll them down, cut them or fold the top down.
    • Do ensure there are no creases in the stockings.
    • If they are tight around the toes, pull the material back slightly.

    They may require readjustment throughout the day.

    How do I care for my stockings?

    Generally stockings are worn for up to 16 hours a day and should be removed at bed time. However, stockings can be worn 24 hours a day and up to 7 days a week, when they must be changed. Your healthcare professional will advise on when to change your stockings.

    Examine your stockings daily to check for signs of damage and contact your GP to organise replacements.

    Your healthcare professional will advise you of the expected life span of your stockings.

    Please throw away your stockings when they have reached their maximum life span, ensure new stockings have been delivered beforehand.

    Stockings can be machine washed on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees, using a mild detergent. Do not tumble dry.

    If in doubt refer to manufacturers guidance found in each box.

    Who do I call if I have a problem?

    • There are a number of different healthcare professionals that can help you if any problems occur.
    • Please see your own GP first
    • Other healthcare professionals may be:
    • A pharmacist (all pharmacists are trained in compression hosiery)
    • Your neighbourhood team
    • A practice nurse

    What to do next

    Your healthcare professional will ensure that your stockings fit correctly and that you are happy and comfortable with wearing them.

  • 1. Have a clean, dry surface for putting dressings and equipment on.

    2. Wash hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly on a clean towel, or paper towel.

    3. Prepare equipment as required including dressings:

    • Drinking quality tap water in a clean container
    • Dressing packs / dressings
    • Adhesive or tapes
    • Plastic bag for soiled dressings
    • Mirror to view wound
    • Gloves

    4. Remove soiled dressings and place in plastic bag.

    5. Change gloves, rewash hands or use alcohol hand rub.

    6. If necessary clean excess discharge from surrounding skin with a moist gauze swab.

    7. Inspect wound (use mirror if necessary) looking particularly for signs and symptoms of infection including:

    • New or increase in redness of surrounding skin
    • Wound leaking more than normal or discharge changes colour/thickness
    • Increase or change in smell
    • New or increase in size
    • New or increase in pain

    8. Reapply new dressing as instructed.

    9. Tie plastic bag with all waste inside and dispose of as instructed by your healthcare professional.

    10. Wash hands (see no. 2 opposite) and replace unused equipment and dressings in clean dry storage.

    Contact your healthcare professional if you have any of the signs or symptoms of infection, or if you have a change or increased pain in the wound or begin to feel unwell, i.e. flu like symptoms.

  • How can I prevent infection?

    Good hand washing can significantly result in the reduction of potential bacteria on the hands and therefore considerably reduce the risk of cross infection.

    • Do not touch the wound yourself.
    • Do not allow your visitors to touch your wound/dressing.
    • Nursing or medical staff who deal with your wound or dressings should always wash their hands before and after touching your wound.
    • If you need to touch your wound/dressing do so minimally and always ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after and wear a pair of vinyl gloves.
    • Particular attention should be paid to hand hygiene after using the toilet, blowing your nose, smoking and both before/after eating or drinking.

    Can I shower?

    Please ask your healthcare professional if it is safe to shower.

    When showering consider:

    • Do not use flannels or sponges on or around the wound area, they have the potential to harbour bacteria which could affect wound healing.
    • Do not use scented soaps, shower gels or talc around the wound area.
    • Neutral pH balanced skincare products are acceptable. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise further on this.
    • Do not rub wounds vigorously with a towel - pat dry gently. Keep a separate towel for drying around your wound and change the towel daily.
    • Plain cotton, cool clothing tends to be the most comfortable and should be changed regularly.

    Is smoking harmful to my wound?

    Smoking increases the risk of wound infection, risk of chest infection/pneumonia and delays wound healing. It can lead to your wound breaking down or opening. Smoking cessation will improve wound healing.

    For advice and support on how to quit call 0800 169 4219 or text SMOKEFREE to 60066

    Which foods will improve wound healing?

    A balanced, nourishing diet is essential for wound healing. The following information is a guide to eating for those with a wound. If your appetite is poor it is important to try and eat ‘little and often’.

    Essential nutrients include:

    Protein

    Protein is essential to build new tissue. Try and include it with 2-3 meals a day. Protein includes all meats/meat substitutes i.e. Quorn, fish, nuts, eggs. Milk and dairy foods such as cheese and yoghurt are a source of protein. Including a milky pudding or glass of milk at the end of a meal is a good way to boost protein intake.

    Iron

    Iron is important for a healthy blood supply to heal your wound. Examples of iron rich foods are all red meats, eggs (well cooked), sardines and pilchards, baked beans, fortified cereals. Drinking a glass of fruit juice will help to absorb the iron. Drinking tea may hinder absorption.

    Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for wound healing and building tissue, as well as helping your body absorb iron from your food. It is found in vegetables, salad, and fruit. These must be eaten every day as this vitamin cannot be stored by the body.

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin A is important for healing and is found in protein foods and all dark green or brightly coloured vegetables and fruit such as spinach, broccoli, peas, apricots, carrots, mango.

    Zinc

    Zinc is essential for building new tissue. It is a mineral found in all protein foods, especially meats, meat products, chicken, fish, and seafood, milk and milk products.

    Drinks

    Aim to drink at least a total of eight cups/glasses of water, milk and/or juice each day.

    Am I safe to move around with a wound?

    Exercise will not hurt your wound. It is important to move around to ensure you do not develop a pressure ulcer (bed sore).

    Taking a gentle walk and doing regular leg exercises will help to increase the blood supply to the wound bed aiding wound healing.

    When sitting, elevate the legs to prevent lower leg swelling, making sure the heels are protected from any pressure.

    If your wound is on your foot or heel, it is important to wear the correct footwear to aid stability whilst moving around. Your healthcare professional will be able to give advice on this.

    This is your wound. It is important for you to take responsibility in helping your wound to heal.

    How can I do this?

    • Be involved in your plan of care
    • Discuss options with your healthcare professional
    • Do not feel afraid to raise concerns if you are not happy with any decisions that are made
    • Be open to suggestions from healthcare professionals
    • Encourage your carer or relative to become involved, if this is appropriate

    If you have any concerns regarding your treatment/plan of care, raise them with your healthcare professional who will be happy to discuss alternative options.

  • Keep away from fire when using these products

    If you are being treated with an emollient product which is covered by a dressing or clothing, there is a danger that smoking, or using a naked flame could cause your dressing or clothing to catch fire.

    To stop this happening it is very important that you do the following:

    • Do not smoke, use naked flames (or be near people who are smoking or using naked flames) or go near to anything else which may cause a fire whilst these products are in contact with your clothes, dressing or bandages.
    • Ensure that your clothes and bedding are changed regularly (preferably daily) as the emollient soaks into the fabrics and can potentially be a fire hazard. You should also be careful to make sure that the emollient does not soak into chairs, seating or other furniture.
    • Tell your relatives or carers about your treatment and show them this leaflet.
    • Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking.

    Your treatment is important, but it is essential that you are kept safe when you use these products. By following the advice in this leaflet, you will help us to make sure that you are treated safely.

    Please speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any questions about the information in this leaflet.

    For further information please email us at lchwoundservice@nhs.net

     

  • New MHRA guidance has been received about the increased fire risk with emollients. 

    ALL EMOLLIENTS containing paraffin and paraffin free products, in contact with dressings and clothing are easily ignited with a naked flame or a cigarette with the risk of severe and fatal burns. New evidence suggests that even emollients (skin moisturisers) that contain lower amounts of paraffin and paraffin free emollients can act as an accelerant.

    Keep away from fire when using these products.

    What you and your patients need to know:

    • All emollients including paraffin free ones can act as an accelerant, increasing the speed of ignition and intensity of the fire. Changing to lower paraffin products or products without paraffin does not eliminate the fire risk.
    • Patients and relatives must be informed of the fire risks associated with all emollients. This information should be repeated whenever they come into contact with healthcare services. This should be done verbally and with written information.
    • Washing clothing and fabric does not totally remove the emollient build up. Early testing suggests that washing at 60 degrees and above may remove contamination.
    • Emollients are an important and effective treatment for chronic dry skin conditions, and are safe to use when the patient is aware of the fire risk. 
    • Warnings, including an alert symbol, are being added to packaging as a visual reminder.

    What you can do to help:

    • Always consider safety if patients smoke prior to prescribing, dispensing or applying an emollient. Remember, home oxygen and head lice treatments also carry a risk of severe and fatal burns.
    • Ensure manufacturer warning labels are visible i.e. don’t cover with dispensing labels.
    • Display fire safety information relating to this alert in relevant areas.
    • Share this information with patients and colleagues.
    • Any healthcare professional that has a concern regarding fire safety with these products can go to the Fire Service Patient Referral. LCH has a partnership agreement with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) - a link can be found on your internet favourites list.

    Further information: 

    MHRA guidance update: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/emollients-new-information-about-risk-of-severe-and-fatal-burns-with-paraffin-containing-and-paraffin-free-emollients

  • Information for children, parents and carers

    What is a pressure ulcer?

    A pressure ulcer is damage that occurs on the skin and underlying tissues when the blood supply to that area is stopped and the tissue is starved of oxygen and nutrients. A pressure ulcer can develop for a variety of reasons, especially if you are unwell. It can be very painful and lead to further complications.

    Who is at risk?

    Some children are always at risk of pressure ulcers. Everyone is at some risk when you move around less. This could be due to disability, medications, pain or ill health.

    However you are more at risk if you:

    • Don’t eat or drink enough.
    • Are overweight or underweight.
    • Have vulnerable skin, eg. dry, moist, paper thin, redness or sore skin.
    • Have a damaged spinal cord / or cannot feel pain over part or all of the body.

    Why are you at risk of a pressure ulcer?

    Anyone can get a pressure ulcer, but some children are more likely to develop them than others.

    For example, children who:

    • Have reduced mobility; for example, if you are ill and have to stay in bed or in a chair or wheelchair for long periods of time or if your illness or medical condition makes it difficult for you to change position without help.
    • Have a piece of equipment that can restrict your movement or cause pressure and/or friction, for example a wheel chair, urinary catheter tubing, gastrostomy tube, splint, body brace, plaster cast, saturation probe, facemask, intravenous catheter (for intravenous medications).
    • Have a poor diet and don’t drink enough water.
    • Are underweight or overweight, as this can affect your mobility and skin condition allowing it to become damaged more easily.
    • Have circulatory or respiratory conditions that affect your blood flow.
    • Have increased moisture due to incontinence or sweat resulting in ‘nappy rash’.
    • Have had a pressure ulcer in the past.
    • Are seriously ill or undergoing surgery.
    • Have damaged your spinal cord and/or cannot feel pain over part or all of your body.
    • Currently have a pressure ulcer.
    • Have long periods with a high temperature.

    Remember: SSKIN

    Surface

    Skin inspection

    Keep moving

    Incontinence

    Nutrition and hydration

    Surface

    Pressure ulcers can also occur under medical devices used to treat your condition. For example an oxygen mask, tubing, catheter, cast, splints or neck collar. It is important that you inform your healthcare professional if you have a poorly fitting or painful medical device or if any of the equipment you have been provided with is not working or is uncomfortable.

    Pressure relieving equipment such as a mattress, cushion, specialist seating, may be necessary to help reduce the amount of pressure on your body.

    Skin inspection

    Check your skin daily – when you are washing and dressing, you can help by looking closely at your skin for the warning signs of pressure ulcer development and reporting any areas of concern to a healthcare professional immediately.

    What are the warning signs?

    • red patches on fair-skinned children
    • purple / bluish patches on dark-skinned children
    • skin may feel hot, firm or soft and /or appear shiny
    • blistering or cracks may form
    • hard or swollen areas which may be painful
    • pain over bony areas.

    These are the areas of the body where pressure ulcers are most likely to occur:

    • Head
    • Shoulder blades
    • Elbows
    • Sacrum
    • Buttocks
    • Heel
    • Toes

    Noticing symptoms early is important so that steps can be taken to prevent a pressure ulcer developing.

    Keep moving

    Keep moving – this is done by moving around and changing position as much as possible. Encouraging and/or assisting your child to change their position as often as possible will help to relieve pressure on the bony parts of the body. If you use a wheelchair you need to move frequently in your chair to reduce pressure on your bottom. If you already have a pressure ulcer, lying or sitting on the ulcer should be avoided as this will make the ulcer worse.

    Avoid pressure and friction – ensure you are not lying on any tubing, wires or other equipment. Keep your bed sheets free from creases which can cause rubbing. Always use a slide sheet for repositioning - it is important to avoid dragging your child when moving them. If your child wears a cast, splint or body brace etc, alert your child’s health care professional immediately if you have any concerns.

    Check equipment regularly – ensure wheelchairs, cushions and splints are appropriately adjusted by your occupational therapist and physiotherapist and report any problems with this equipment to them as soon as possible.

    Incontinence

    Damp skin may be damaged more easily by pressure, for example wee (urine), poo (faeces) or sweat.

    Keep the skin clean and dry and moisturised.

    Check your skin at least daily.

    Good personal hygiene is important. Ask a healthcare professional for help and advice to manage incontinence.

    Nutrition and hydration

    Make sure you eat and drink well – eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein rich foods (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, cheese and dairy products) or if you have enteral feeds ensure you have all the feeds and water as prescribed by your dietitian. Drink adequate fluids, particularly water, to keep the skin soft and supple.

    Practical hints and tips

    If you are a child’s parent/carer you have a very important role in helping to care for your child’s skin. Your health care professional should advise on how pressure is best reduced or relieved on areas of skin that are vulnerable to pressure ulcers.

    Do…

    • change your position frequently – while in bed or sitting in a chair, avoid being in one position for long periods of time
    • take good care of your skin – keep it clean and free from too much moisture
    • encourage a healthy balanced diet
    • use the equipment as advised by your health care professional
    • inspect your skin for red marks or dark purple areas and report these as soon as possible.

    Don’t…

    • sit on a rubber ring cushion (may cause more damage)
    • massage or rub pressure areas
    • drag yourself or your child over damp or creased bed clothes
    • try to manage a pressure ulcer yourself – seek help from your healthcare professional.

    If your child already has a pressure ulcer, lying or sitting on the ulcer should be avoided as this will make the ulcer worse.

    Remember…

    It’s important to look after your skin by:

    • Telling a healthcare professional if you have any pain or discomfort
    • Moving regularly
    • Eating and drinking well

    If you would like any more information or have any concerns, please speak to a healthcare professional or ask your mum, dad or carer to speak to them.

    Staff are able to refer you to the Wound Prevention and Management Service, Children’s Nursing Team, Physiotherapists, Dietitians and Occupational Therapists if your needs are complex or if your condition is getting worse.

  • Bed sores, pressure sores and pressure ulcers information for patients and carers

    The following information is to provide you and your carer with information on pressure ulcers, how they develop and the steps you can take to prevent them. Occasionally there may be good reasons why your treatment is different to this advice and you should discuss this with your healthcare professional.

    What is a pressure ulcer?

    A pressure ulcer is damage that occurs on the skin and underlying tissues due to the lack of blood and oxygen supply. This may happen due to:

    Pressure:

    • The weight of the body pressing down on the skin.
    • Any object or device for example catheter tubing pressing on the skin.

    Shearing:

    This can occur if the patient slides down in the bedor chair. The skin becomes stretched and tears.

    The first sign that a pressure ulcer may be forming is usually pain and discoloured skin. This may get progressively worse and eventually lead to an open wound. The most common places for pressure ulcers to occur are over bony parts of the body like the bottom, heel, hip, elbow, ankle, shoulder, back and the back of the head.

    Who is at risk?

    Anyone can get a pressure ulcer but some people are more likely to develop them than others. They can develop quickly in people if they are unable to move for a very short time. They can be serious, not just damaging the skin but deep layers of tissue; in severe cases, muscle and bone and can take a long time to heal.

    For example, they can develop in people who:

    • have problems moving and cannot change position by themselves without help.
    • cannot feel pain over part or all of their body.
    • have problems with bowel or bladder control (incontinence).
    • currently have a pressure ulcer.
    • have had pressure ulcers in the past.
    • have an injury that affects movement.
    • are unwell.
    • have to wear a splint or body brace.
    • have problems with memory and understanding, such as dementia.

    Remember - SSKIN

    (Surface, Skin inspection, Keep moving, Incontinence, Nutrition and hydration)

    Surface

    Pressure relieving equipment, such as a mattress or chair cushion, may be necessary to help reduce the amount of pressure on your body.

    Pressure ulcers can also occur under medical devices used to treat your condition. For example an oxygen mask, tubing, catheter, cast or neck collar. It is important that you inform a healthcare professional if you have a poorly fitting or painful medical device or if any of the equipment you have been provided with is not working or is uncomfortable.

    Areas of the body where pressure ulcers are most likely to occur are:

    • Sitting in bed
    • Sitting in a chair or wheelchair
    • Lying down

    Skin inspection

    You should check your skin every day when washing and dressing to check for warning signs of damage. You can use a mirror or ask a carer to check any awkward areas.

    What are the warning signs?

    • red patches on fair skin.
    • purple / black patches on dark ski.
    • swelling and blisters.
    • hard or swollen areas which may be painful.

    Noticing symptoms early is important so steps can be taken to prevent a pressure ulcer developing.

    Keep moving

    Regular movement is key to prevention, whether you’re in bed or sat out in a chair.

    Simple movements such as lifting your heels, tilting to the side and lifting your bottom off the chair or bed will reduce the pressure on these areas.

    Good sitting posture helps reduce pressure on bony areas. Lift the bottom regularly if you are safe to do so to relieve pressure.

    If you have pressure damage to your skin, sitting or lying on the area should be avoided as it will delay healing and make the ulcer worse.

    Incontinence

    Damp skin may be damaged more easily by pressure, for example, urine, faeces or sweat. Keep the skin clean and dry and regularly moisturise. Incontinence must be managed properly, a healthcare professional can help you with this.

    Nutrition and hydration

    Eat a good diet, plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein rich foods (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and dairy products). If you have enteral feeding, ensure you have all the feed and water as prescribed. Report any unintentional weight loss to a healthcare professional as this can increase your pressure ulcer risk - you may be referred to a dietitian.

    Drink adequate fluids to keep your skin soft and supple.

    Practical hints and tips

    Your healthcare professional should advise you and your carer on how pressure is best reduced or relieved on areas of skin that are vulnerable to pressure ulcers.

    Do…

    • Change your position frequently, while in bed or sitting in a chair, avoid being in one position for long periods of time. take good care of your skin, keep it clean.
    • Try to eat a healthy balanced diet.
    • Use the equipment as advised by your healthcare professional.
    • Inspect your skin for changes in colour, such as red marks or purple/black discolouration.

    Don’t…

    • Try to manage a pressure ulcer yourself – seek help from your healthcare professional.
    • Sit on rubber ring cushions (may cause more damage) massage or rub pressure areas.
    • Drag yourself over damp or creased bed clothes.
    • Use a sheepskin to help relieve pressure – this is merely a comfort measure.
    • Allow incontinence sheets to crease up under you – avoid their use if you can.

    If you already have a pressure ulcer, lying or sitting on the ulcer should be avoided as this will make the ulcer worse.

    Remember…

    It’s important to look after your skin by:

    • Moving regularly.
    • Eating and drinking well.
    • Telling a healthcare professional if you have any pain or discomfort.

    If you would like any more information or have any concerns, please speak to a healthcare professional who can refer you to the appropriate service - Neighbourhood Team, Tissue Viability Service, Physiotherapist, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist and Back Care Advisors.

Tel: 0113 8433730

8.30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday

If you can't get through please leave a message on the answer machine. 

Email: lch.tissueviability@nhs.net

We operate a citywide service in patients' own homes, care homes and clinics within health centres.

Our main team works from: 

Halton Clinic
2A Primrose Lane
Halton
Leeds 
LS15 7HR

Service Downloads 

We are currently reviewing our website to make all content accessible. If you are looking for a download, such as a leaflet or booklet that you can no longer find, please contact the service on the details above.

Useful Links

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Referrals

Although many patients are referred to us by their GP, Neighbourhood Team, or practice nurse, any member of the public can contact the service directly for advice.

Please download the referral form

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