The Chronic Wound Service provides treatment to patients in the community with chronic or complex wounds. We aim to provide treatment the way the person needing the service wants. We work as a team and use the most current research to guide our service.
A chronic wound is persistent broken skin present for more than four weeks.
The Chronic Wound Service team can help patients, their families and health care professionals. We provide specialised:
assessment
diagnosis
advice
treatment
education
support
Services Offered
The Chronic Wound Service consists of an interdisciplinary team which operates as a hospital based clinic.
The specialised clinicians include:
Specialist Doctor - Wound
Clinical Nurse Consultants - Wound
Dietitian
Other clinician or program as required
The service is based on a holistic integrative approach. Patients/carers are equal parties and together we all agree upon goals, outcomes and responsibilities.
Who can use this Service?
People who are aged 16 years or older, usually
Persistent broken skin present for longer than four weeks
An acute problematic/complicated wound requiring specialist advice
Live in council areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Shire of Melton and Wyndham.
Who is unable to use this Service?
Uncomplicated acute wounds (present <4 weeks) i.e. recent surgical wound already managed by Surgical Unit
Patients being managed by another Wound Service outside Western Health
Patients that are medically unstable or with severe infection/cellulitis that require GP or Emergency Department intervention.
- Diabetic foot wound – referrals must be faxed to the Diabetic Foot Service (Western Health) Fax: 8345 6856.
Referral Requirements
GP or medical specialist referral required (medical referral letter). Information and investigations needed include:
Brief overview of wound history and current treatment plan (essential)
Medical/Surgical history (essential)
List of current medications (essential)
Recent blood tests
X-ray results
Other imaging results (duplex scans, MRI, angiogram etc)
Wound swab results
Biopsy results
The Chronic Wound Service referral form can also be completed and sent to the service.
Clinic Location/Times
Sunshine Hospital Acute Services Building, Pod 1 – Monday morning / Wednesday afternoon / Friday morning
Service cost
Free service to Medicare eligible patients.Patients will not be charged for service consultation or dressing products used at the clinic. Patients/carers are financially responsible for the products and equipment required between appointments.
Networking, integration and relationships
The Chronic Wound Service involves, as appropriate, other health care professionals in the ongoing care and management of patients. Collaboration occurs with key services which include:
Podiatry and Diabetic Foot Service
Vascular Surgical Unit
Plastic Surgical Unit
Dermatology
Western Health Wound Consultant
Immediate Response Service (Western Health)
Hospital In The Home
Emergency Department
Hospital Admission Risk Program
Bolton Clarke or other District Nursing Services
General Practitioners
Other Private Wound Consultants
Contact Us
Chronic Wound Service
Sunshine Hospital
176 Furlong Road St Albans VIC 3021
Ph: 8345 1355
Fax: 8345 0777
