A hospital team supporting patients with chronic wounds have been commended for their work.

This includes the tissue viability team, leg ulcer nurse specialist and the podiatry and vascular nurse practitioners at Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust in Harlow.

They were recognised as part of the wider network of wound care practitioners across the Hertfordshire and West Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP).

The team reached the finals at the 2019 Nursing Times Awards in the ‘Innovation in Chronic Wound Management’ category.

Following a programme of developments and working closely with partners across the system, the team managed to address the best practise for wound care.

This has included specialist projects on vascular care, plastics, dermatology, podiatry and lymphoedema (a condition that causes swelling in body tissue).

Specific clinical pathways were created for diabetic foot ulcers, cellulitis, leg, heel, ankle and foot pressure ulcers or wounds, and lower limb care for patients.

Dawn Royall, lead tissue viability nurse specialist, said: “It was wonderful to reach the finals of the Nursing Times awards.

“We are proud of the work we have carried out with our system partners to improve the lives of our patients who have conditions such as leg ulcers, lymphoedema and oedema.

“With early intervention and streamlining patient care, we can ensure the best experience and outcome for patients.

“We are now working with the STP delivery boards to roll out the programme across the area.”