Tissue Viability
The Tissue Viability team address patient safety by reducing patient harm. They do this by examining the issues around the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and moisture damage to the skin. Much of their job is also education – they deliver educational sessions to health professionals within the hospital and also help educate patients to aid optimal wound healing.
The team comprises two specialist nurses covering Monday to Friday; Jo Vokes and Sharon Thomas. They work in collaboration with a range of other specialists such as:
- Specialist Podiatry
- Lymphoedema
- Dermatology
- Vascular
- Medical Devices
- Orthotics
- The Wound Care industry
- Audit
- Research and Innovation
- Acute Hospital at Home
- Safeguarding
- Community and district nursing colleagues.
For any queries, call 01305 255831 or email tissueviability@dchft.nhs.uk
High Risk Inpatient Podiatrist
Angela Walker is the hospital’s High Risk Inpatient Podiatrist who supports patients who present with diabetic foot complications and foot wounds. Angela provides treatment and monitoring of the high risk foot patients with and without diabetes who have a history of ulcers, amputations, gross deformities, profound neuropathy and ischaemia. A foot wound is any wound that occurs below the ankle.
Angela also organises the weekly Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot (MDT) ward round. This team comprises of a diabetes consultant, vascular Surgeon, orthotist and the high risk inpatient podiatrist. The MDT ward round is for all in-patients who present with diabetic foot complications.
Staff who discover a foot wound refer their patient to our High Risk Inpatient Podiatrist who will then triage and respond as necessary.
The high risk inpatient podiatrist is also part of the outpatient Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team (MDFT).