Page last updated:
22nd January 2024

National Wound Care Strategy Programme

The National Wound Care Strategy Programme and Lower Limb

The National Wound Care Strategy programme (NWCSP) seeks to improve care for people with wounds. One of their first publications was the lower limb recommendations 2020 which were updated in August 2023.

The lower limb recommendations clearly distinguish between a leg ulcer and a foot ulcer using the image below and there are guidelines for both of them. It is important that patients are accessing the correct clinical teams from the outset. In some cases joint working between Podiatry and Nursing is essential.

Download PDF of NWCSP Leg Ulcer Recommendations (Aug 2023)

Download PDF of NWCSP Foot Ulcer Recommendations (Aug 2023)

It is very important that you can identify the red flags and the immediate & necessary care that lower limb wounds require.

Leg Ulcer Recommendations Summary from NWCSP

Download a pdf of Leg Ulcer Recommendations

Foot Ulcer Recommendations Summary from NWCSP

Download a pdf of Foot Ulcer Recommendations

Watch our webinar which reports on the first tranche implementation sites who shared their experiences of implementing the NWCSP Lower Limb Guidelines.

Where’s the harm?

Patients who do not get treatment as per NWCSP guidelines are at much greater risk of harm. This is usually harm through omission. Harm through omission is just as devastating to patients and families and we must recognise it.

Patients who do not receive prompt diagnosis and treatment are at risk of deteriorating leg and foot problems which can have devastating consequences physically, socially and emotionally.

Other support

Accelerate Based in East London, Accelerate can accept national referrals from your GP / specialist to our world-class centre where we pioneer and trial experimental new treatments for chronic leg ulcers / wounds, lymphoedema and mobility challenges.

Contact details
020 3819 6022
hello@acceleratecic.com
Find out more on the Accelerate website

The British Lymphology Society (BLS) is a dynamic and innovative body providing a strong professional voice and support for those involved in the care and treatment of people with lymphoedema and related lymphatic disorders, including lipoedema.

Contact details
01452 790178
admin@thebls.com
Find out more on the British Lymphology Society website

Royal College of Podiatry The Royal College of Podiatry exists to ensure the public has access to high quality foot care delivered by qualified and regulated professionals.

Contact details
020 7234 8620
reception@rcpod.org
Find out more on the Royal College of Podiatry website

Foot in Diabetes UK Part of Diabetesonthenet.com Foot in Diabetes UK is an organisation dedicated to continuous improvement in the care and management of people with diabetic foot problems.

Contact details
020 3735 8244
info@diabetesonthenet.com
Find out more on the Foot in Diabetes UK website

The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation Promoting and supporting community based treatment, health promotion, education and ongoing care for people who are experiencing leg-related problems - including leg ulcers and other wound care issues.

Contact details
01473 749565
lynn.bullock@legclubfoundation.com
Find out more on the Lindsay Leg Club Foundation website

The Society of Vascular Nurses The Society of Vascular Nurses (SVN). The SVN is a professional, membership organisation for vascular nurses throughout the UK who provide optimal care for vascular diseases. Through their culture of sharing, they offer excellence in clinical practice, education, research and professional networking in order to strive for optimal care for patients with vascular disease.

Contact details
Visit SVN

Society of Tissue Viability (The Society of Tissue Viability) aims to provide expertise in wound management to all healthcare professionals.

Contact details
hello@societyoftissueviability.org
Find out more on the Society of Tissue Viability website

Tell us what you think

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support@legsmatter.org