A much-needed chronic and complex wound and stoma care clinic has been launched by Far West Local Health District, following a successful 20-week trial which provided patients with vital wound and stoma care, management and education.
The clinic will operate one-day a week from Broken Hill Hospital for all Far West LHD out-patients, with remote health services across the district able to access expert care via telehealth appointments.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said: “This clinic has already had many benefits, including improvements in the delivery of care, reduction in time and costs for patients, improved quality of life and reduced visits to hospital.
“The clinic provides a much-needed setting where people with more complex or difficult to heal wounds can be seen and a comprehensive wound care plan can be developed in consultation with the patient and their family.”
Led by FWLHD Clinical Nurse Consultant Megan Jordan, the clinic provides specialised nursing care for patients with chronic and complex wounds and stomas, using a person-centred approach. Chronic wounds can be difficult to heal or manage, however with the right assessment and involvement from a multidisciplinary healthcare team, tailored management can vastly improve patient outcomes.
“Chronic wounds can be extremely difficult to manage for instance, a patient with a slow-healing ulcer who also has diabetes may need a referral to a diabetes educator or dietician to support their wound healing,” Ms Jordan said. “It’s important to take the time with each
Feedback from patients who have attended the clinic has been positive, with many reporting feeling better informed about their individual care needs, as well as receiving good education in wound care management.
Mr William Maher, a patient of the clinic during the trial, who had a successful outcome, said: “It is very good and easy to use and interacting with the staff here was great.
“I felt included and had a voice in what was going on, they made sure you understood everything.”
Megan Jordan (sitting) with Wendy Gleeson (FWLHD Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Director Clinical Governance) with Mr William Maher.
The clinic accepts referrals for chronic or complex wounds from healthcare providers across FWLHD, including General Practitioners (GPs) and other local healthcare settings within the region. Individuals with a stoma (colostomy, urostomy or ileostomy), can also be referred via FWLHD services, GPs, tertiary hospitals or self-referral.
The Chronic and Complex Wound and Stoma Clinic service utilises a shared model of care approach, meaning the patient, their family and their GP are all involved in the wound or stoma care plan. Additionally, patients in the clinic can be supported in a shared model of care with other outpatient wound care services across FWLHD. For example, shared care with the Broken Hill Nurse Led Wound Clinic or Community Nursing.
Director Clinical Governance FWLHD Ms Wendy Gleeson, said: “This clinic provides specialised nursing care that is person-centred and promotes coordination of care for patients with comprehensive and complex wound care needs.
“Incorporating a telehealth model care has further enhanced access to this service for patients and their carers. I am very pleased to support the establishment and continuation of this vital service to our communities.”
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