Clinics
How do I get an appointment?
The service is for anybody who has a wound - or is at risk of developing a wound - who are patients at our hospitals, or who are registered to a GP in Lambeth.
We accept referrals from GPs, district nurses and nurse practitioners. Please note, we do not generally accept self-referrals.
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What to do if you haven't received an appointment yet
When you are referred to the TVN service we will contact the referrer and either arrange a joint visit with them, either to your home address or to the GP practice when you are due to be seen.
If you have been referred to the Wound Advisory Clinic a letter will be sent to you with the next available appointment.
If you have not been contacted and require more information, please ring us on 020 3049 8855.
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Cancelling or changing your appointment
To cancel or change your appointment with the tissue viability nurse, please call 020 3049 8855.
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What to bring to your appointment
Please wear either loose trousers or a skirt or appropriate and easy-to-remove clothing in the area of any chronic wound you may have for an appointment or when attending the wound advisory clinic or for a home visit by the Tissue Viability nurse.
If you are attending the wound advisory clinic with a leg wound, you may have bandages applied so would need shoes that will allow for this.
Please also bring a list of any medications and dressings you are currently having.
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What to expect at your appointment
Your first visit from a tissue viability nurse may vary in duration, but we normally allow up to one hour for an initial assessment of your wound or ulcer.
Subsequent visits may take less time depending on the complexity of your wound.
At your appointment, you will be given a top-to-toe assessment of your skin. In the wound advisory clinic your legs will be washed by a member of the team and you may have an ultrasound of your legs.
You will then be asked questions by the nurse before being given the appropriate treatment/advice.
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After your appointment
After your appointment or tissue viability visit, we'll give you information about your condition, including self-care advice and leaflets.
If you were referred by your GP, we will write to him/her with details about your appointment and your treatment plan.
We will also give you details of who to contact should you encounter any problems. If you have any questions from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, you can contact the team on 020 3049 8855.
Glossary
Some of the tissue viability words and phrases you may hear, and what they mean.
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Acute wound
Skin damage due to either surgery or an accident/incident.
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Chronic wound
Skin damage that fails to improve within the expected time - usually 4-12 weeks.
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Hypodermis/subcutaneous layer
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Leg ulcer
A leg ulcer is often caused by an injury to the skin on the leg.
They are mainly categorised into 'arterial' and 'venous' depending on which blood vessels are not working efficiently.
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Moisture lesion
Injury to the skin caused by excessive moisture in that area, for example after incontinence or from sweat.
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Surgical wound
A cut to the skin made by a scalpel during surgery. It can be left open or closed with stitches or clips.
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Pressure ulcer
An injury to the skin and underlying tissues caused by shear or pressure on one spot, often around a bony area for example heel, shoulder or bottom.
More information about pressure ulcers.
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Tissue viability nurse
Wound care nurse who deals with complex wound care issues and prevention.
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Ultrasound/doppler
Measures the blood pressure at your ankle, using sound waves to look at the flow of blood in your legs.
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Wound dressings
A sterile covering applied to a wound that helps the wound heal and prevent any more harm.