Contact us
01795 562190
kcht.tissueviability@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Medway
0300 123 3444
Options to select when prompted: 1-2-2-2
medch.cccadults@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
What we do
Our service is open to children and adults under the care of a Kent Community Health Foundation Trust health professional or commissioned service.
We provide advice and support to healthcare professionals to develop and improve their own practice, aiming to raise the quality and standards of care in tissue viability.
How do you use this service?
We support all patients under the care of our trust.
In west Kent, referrals can also be made by a GP and nursing homes too.
An electronic referral can be made to the email address by your treating clinician.
Healthcare professionals in Medway can refer using the Tissue viability SBAR form (Medway).
Referral criteria
Patients may be referred to the Tissue Viability Service when:
- wounds have not responded to appropriate treatment after six weeks
- support is required for a complex wound
For KCHFT staff referrals only:
- negative pressure wound therapy or other advanced wound therapies are being considered
Information required for all referrals
The following information must be included with every referral:
- the treatment plan
- a clear description of the specific concerns about the wound
- details of previous treatments or interventions already tried
- any identified reasons for delayed healing or non-healing
Referrals may not be accepted for
- wounds that are healing as expected
- wounds being treated by podiatry, dermatology, lymphoedema or vascular services, unless a joint review is required
- patients who have capacity, are non-concordant with the recommended treatment plan, have previously received advice from the Tissue Viability Service and have declined the recommended interventions. These cases should be discussed with the relevant clinical lead to determine whether further Tissue Viability input would be beneficial.
Important information
Not all referrals will result in a visit from a Tissue Viability Nurse. Following triage, referrals may be managed through remote specialist advice where this is clinically appropriate and sufficient to meet the patient's needs.
Additional referral criteria requirements for
Before submitting a referral:
- review Tissue Viability guidance and confirm relevant advice has been followed
- discuss the referral at team handover
- submit the referral via XRef on Rio
- ensure current wound photographs and measurements are recorded on WoundMatrix or Rio
- for lower limb referrals, follow the lower limb pathway before referral
- include a lower limb assessment and Doppler findings, or document why Doppler could not be completed
- follow the relevant non-concordance pathways where applicable.
Before submitting a referral:
- complete the referral form in full
- include a current clear photograph and relevant medical history
- for lower limb referrals, follow the lower limb pathway before referral
- include a lower limb assessment and Doppler findings, or document why Doppler could not be completed
- follow the relevant lower limb or pressure ulcer non-concordance pathway where applicable
Additional exclusions for practice nurses
- foot wounds should be referred directly to podiatry.
Before submitting a referral:
- complete the Tissue Viability referral form in full
- include a current colour photograph
- include relevant medical history
Additional exclusions for nursing homes
- wounds or pressure damage below the ankle should be referred directly to podiatry.
Wound care for Medway children
Children and young people in Medway who require wound care should normally be seen through local wound clinic services. If a dressing change is required before a wound clinic appointment is available, interim wound care support may be provided.
Our goal is to provide patients and their families with the knowledge and confidence to take part in wound care.
We are here to help you help yourself.
The clinic team can provide the most appropriate care for your wound and offer advice about any concerns you may have.
Referral
Wound clinic referral form - phone 0300 123 3444 or medch.woundclinic.medway@nhs.net (we are working to have an online form as soon as possible).(opens in new tab).
Wound clinic locations
- Rochester Healthy Living Centre
- Rainham Healthy Living Centre
- Lordswood Healthy Living Centre
- Balmoral Gardens Healthy Living Centre
- Keystone
Making an appointment
To make an appointment, telephone the wound therapy service.
You will be asked for your personal details, including a contact telephone number.
Please make your appointment as soon as you know you need wound treatment.
If you cannot attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. This gives another patient the opportunity to use the appointment.
What to bring
Please bring any referral letters and any dressings you have been given for your wound.
You should also bring your NHS number. This is a 10-digit number found on your NHS medical card.
Getting to your appointment
If needed, voluntary organisations may be able to help with transport.
- Hands Rochester: 01634 830371
- Hands Gillingham: 01634 264464
- G4S Transport: 0800 096 0211.
Other information
Medical and nursing students may observe your appointment.
Please tell the wound clinic nurse if you would prefer students not to be present.
If you have concerns about sharing your information, please speak to your doctor or healthcare professional. They can explain your rights and answer any questions.
We welcome feedback about our service to help us meet the needs of local people.
Exclusion criteria
- Non-mobile patients - these patients will need to be referred to the Community Nursing Team
- Burns - if the patient has not been assessed by A&E or an Acute Hospital the patient will need to attend A&E for an urgent assessment
- Burns - Adults - greater than 20 per cent deep dermal wounds - these referrals will be managed in line with the East Grinstead Treatment, without an East Grinstead assessment. If the patient has not been assessed by A&E or an Acute Hospital the patient will need to attend A&E for an urgent assessment.
- Burns - Children - greater than 10 per cent deep dermal wounds - these referrals will be managed in line with the East Grinstead Treatment, without an East Grinstead assessment. If the patient has not been assessed by A&E or an Acute Hospital the patient will need to attend A&E for an urgent assessment.
- Lymphoedema, leg oedema, cellulitis with no wound - patients need to be referred to their GP.
- For procedures completed by Dermatology - Contact the dermatology service on 01732 651041 for after care as this service is not covered by MCH.