Leg Ulcer Clinic

Sister Jane Barker and community Health Care Assistant Catherine Shenton.

Thursday 9.00 to 1.00 and 2.00 to 4.00 by appointment.
The morning is for ulcer treatment and the afternoon for prevention.

Sister Barker is a Community Matron and the area's leg ulcer nurse specialist. The clinic is supported by the other local leg ulcer nurse specialists and practice nurses from the local practices.

A leg ulcer is a wound below the knee that has been present despite treatment for at least six weeks. Our practice nurses are happy to see ulcers in the early stages and many will be healed before the need for this specialist clinic.

The clinic provides a full assessment, help, support, advice including educational material, treatment and, if necessary, referral to a vascular consultant. Most patients come weekly until their ulcers are healing when the time interval can be extended. Nurses take regular pictures of wounds to record treatment progress week by week.

The clinic has a relaxed and happy atmosphere. The ulcer that lasted for years and years is largely a thing of the past.

The afternoon clinic is for those who have had ulcers, who wear elastic stockings to prevent ulcers or those who have worries about their legs with swelling or varicose veins. Once a year leg ulcer clinic patients are offered a full assessment, with circulation test, blood pressure and blood tests, (especially for sugar).  Advice is offered on toenail care, skin care and on which type of stocking to use and how to get them on!

We feel these checks are essential to prevent ulcers recurring and to encourage patients to adopt and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

You can refer yourself to the clinic, although most patients  are referred from their GP or practice nurse. Please contact reception for an appointment.