Tissue Viability Service
Welcome to the Tissue Viability Service. This service is provided by a specialist nurse.
Patients with long-term conditions (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) often have an impact on wound healing processes. This may be due to either disease processes or medication that is prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Examples are:
- Diabetes slows the healing process and complications of diabetes have a potential for tissue damage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. Medication prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis may depress the immune system and make the patient vulnerable to bacterial and viral infection.
Skin integrity affects all patient groups, especially end of life care patients and patients with long-term conditions which predispose them to tissue damage. Patients with tissue damage such as leg ulcers, burns, and pressure ulcers, have implications on their quality of life: for example, finance, the ability to work, pain associated with the wound, odour from wounds, and reduced mobility.
The Specialist Tissue Viability Nurse holds a Diagnostic Doppler clinic at Radcliffe Primary Care Centre that offers an accurate diagnosis for patients with circulatory problems in their legs. The clinics are held on Tuesday afternoons 2 to 5 pm with each appointment lasting for approximately 1 hour.
The service aims are:
- To provide evidence based holistic assessment and treatment for patients with extremely complex wounds.
- To provide symptom control for patients with extremely complex wounds.
- To involve the patient in the decision making process and incorporate patient choice whenever appropriate.
- To empower and encourage patients and carers to participate in undertaking relevant aspects of care.
- To provide support, advice, education and training to clinicians and therapists within the primary care setting.
Who is eligible to access our service?
Residents of Bury registered with a Bury GP.
How to access our service
Referrals should be sent directly to the Specialist Tissue Viability Nurse these will then be triaged.
Referrals can also be made via District Nurses, Treatment Room Nurses, GPs, Podiatrists and Nursing Homes.
How to contact us
T: 0161 767 1449
F: 0161 767 1433
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 5pm