Coventry Tissue Viability nurses praised for their care
Coventry resident Barrie Lockley is in his late 70s. Just over 18 months ago he was referred by his GP into the Tissue Viability service at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, for treatment on a leg ulcer.
Following treatment for cancer on his leg, his skin was left thin and vulnerable to ulcers. The nurses at his GP surgery initially treated his leg ulcer, but when the wound worsened he was referred for specialist treatment by the Tissue Viability specialist nurses at Willenhall Health Centre.
Barrie said: “I came to the Health Centre initially with real trepidation, but in fact it is the best thing I ever did. The specialist nurses really know what they’re doing and I actually enjoy my visits. They are all such lovely ladies who have taken the time to get to know me and my daughter.
“When my GP said I needed ‘specialist treatment’, I have to say I feared the worst. I thought they may decide I needed to have part of my leg removed. But I needn’t have feared because with their professional treatment I am able to go about my daily business.
“I can’t recommend the service highly enough and would say to anyone who is being referred to the Tissue Viability nurses not to worry because they will take good care of you.”
The Tissue Viability nurses were awarded a Coventry Telegraph ‘Pride of Nursing’ award in June, after being nominated by members of the public for their outstanding care.
Louise McKeeney, Head of Service Tissue Viability and Wound Clinics at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “I am extremely proud of the team, which provides a specialist service to patients with a wide variety of complex wounds. Our services include: pressure ulcer prevention and management, management of leg ulceration, management of traumatic injuries, surgical wounds and complex non-healing wounds. It’s always good to hear that a patient is happy with the excellent care that the nurses provide.”
If you are suffering from a pressure or leg ulcer, visit your GP who can refer you into the Tissue Viability nurses or you can contact the service directly on 024 7664 6717.