NHS Forth Valley – Tissue Viability

The Tissue Viability Service is a nurse led support and advisory service providing specialist advice and care to patients with, or at risk of developing wounds. This is achieved by the provision of holistic and evidence-based care by facilitating a high standard of practice throughout NHS Forth Valley.

The Service will work with all healthcare staff in all aspects of the prevention and management of acute and chronic wounds, with specific focus on those patients with complex and/or problematic wounds. This will be supported through educational programmes, policy development and implementation of national and local initiatives.

The Service also provides education for patients and their carers via leaflets and publications as well as in person when carrying out patient assessments.

Not all patients who have a wound will require specialist advice from the Tissue Viability Service.

The Service is to aid and support all healthcare professionals who are involved in the management of:

Complex wounds – chronic non healing wounds, surgical wounds, grade 3 and above pressure ulcers/fungating wounds
Leg Ulcers/chronic oedema
Wounds requiring conservative sharp debridement
Equipment needs of wound care patients

How to access the Service

The Tissue Viability Service can be accessed via patients GP, District Nurse, Practice Nurse, Podiatrist, Acute and Community Hospital Staff, Medical Staff and Care Home Trained staff.

With the patients consent then the above professionals will refer to the Tissue Viability service completing appropriate referral, to obtain specialist advice and support. Patients may be seen in the Tissue Viability Clinic, their own home (if housebound)/care home, hospital ward or their local GP practice Treatment Room. Specialist wound care/Tissue Viability advice is also given to healthcare staff via telephone and email.

NB The Tissue Viability Service does not operate a self referral service for members of the public.