We provide specialist assessment, care and management for people across Dorset with leg ulcers.
Our nurses deliver this support in clinics, GP surgeries and community hospitals, as well as in nursing/residential homes and patients’ own homes.
We work closely with other healthcare professionals involved in our patients' care, such as GPs and community nurses, and can also provide specialist advice to these colleagues about leg ulcer treatment and management.
If you, or your loved one, would like to access this service, please speak to your GP surgery or other healthcare professional.
We also offer a specialist wound management service.
What is a leg ulcer?
An ulcer is a wound on your foot or leg that takes more than two weeks to heal.
The most common type of leg ulcer is known as a venous leg ulcer. These are caused by poor blood flow in the veins in the legs, returning blood back to the heart.
Other types of leg ulcers include arterial (caused by poor blood supply to the legs due to a narrowing of the arteries) and mixed ulcers, also brought about by poor blood flow as well as additional factors such as diabetics and lymphoedema.
Factors that increase the risk of leg ulcers include:
- varicose veins
- drug misuse
- diabetes
- obesity
- heart disease
- hypertension
- family history
- rheumatoid arthritis
- trauma
- deep vein thrombosis
- age
- lifestyle choices.
- Wash and moisturise your legs daily.
- If you develop a wound to your leg or foot, please see your GP or practice nurses as soon as possible.
- Wear prescribed compression bandages or hosiery as directed by your nurse and leave dressing changes to your nurse.
- Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes that will accommodate your bandages and not dig into any swollen areas causing further trauma to your feet.
- When sitting, keep your feet elevated and exercise your ankles and feet to reduce swelling and allow the blood to circulate to the ulcer to aid healing.
- Eat a healthy, well balanced diet to ensure plenty of vitamins and minerals to support healing.
- Keep active by walking to prevent the symptoms of feet, ankle and leg swelling.
- Check your feet and legs daily for any breaks in the skin.
Key information about this service
Your appointment will be for approximately 90 minutes, when you will be assessed by a leg ulcer nurse.
You will have a Doppler examination to check your blood circulation in both legs and arms.
Any recent blood tests will be checked, and a full medical history will be taken. Weight, BMI, blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be measured.
Your leg ulcer will be photographed with your consent, and assessed. A plan of care will be recommended and sent to the healthcare professionals who are managing your care.
Please bring any prescribed creams or moisturisers with you, and wear clothes and footwear that are appropriate for bandaged limbs.
Following this assessment, you will be discharged back to your healthcare professional.
We constantly strive to improve our service and value feedback from our patients and their families. During your appointment you will be asked to complete a short survey about the service we have provided.
Who should I contact if I am not happy with the care I am receiving?
We will make every effort to meet your needs. However, if you should ever feel you have any reason to complain, please contact us on 1202 443739 and we will do our best to address your concern.
You can also contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for independent advice and help on 0800 5874997.