The third edition of the Wound Management Formulary has been launched by the Minister for Health and Social Care Howard Quayle MHK.

The Formulary, first developed by the Wound Action Group in 2009, and updated in 2012 and again in 2015, has established itself as a unique product providing simple and clear advice for all healthcare professionals involved in treating wounds. Its purpose is to ensure care is based on research-based best practice and delivered consistently to patients in all care settings.

The Minister was opening a day-long session for staff involved in wound management - nurses working in Noble’s Hospital, Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital and community nursing, nurses from nursing and residential homes as well as podiatrists and medical practitioners. The launch event was also attended by representatives advising on wound care products and demonstrations of wound treatments were given.

The document outlines assessment criteria that lead the practitioner to a product selection guide which suggests how a wound could be healed. It includes explanations of dressing categories and finishes with a flow chart on the management of leg ulcers.

The Formulary, available in both diary and A4 size in soft, wipe clean card is designed to be easy to refer to on a daily basis.

In his comments, Minister Quayle explained: “Successful treatment can be complex and challenging to deliver in an environment of ongoing product improvement and ever increasing pressure on budgets. The practitioner has to combine an understanding of the healing process with knowledge of dressings. The use of the Formulary helps health care professionals to spend money wisely and also enables the best care to be provided to the patient.”

He praised the work of the Wound Action Group, under the leadership of Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist Pam Fulton, saying: ”We should all be very proud of the reputation the Formulary has earned, not only across the health care community here in the Island but further afield as well. It is a clear example of best practice, innovation and dedication to caring for the needs of the patient.

“The exemplary work of the Wound Action Group in creating, continually reassessing and refining the Formulary has been recognised outside our Island health care community, as well.

“It has been reviewed and adopted by the health service in Guernsey. After earning the Department’s Top Team Award in 2009, the Formulary was shortlisted by the prestigious Nursing Times Awards in 2012 and in November this year the Wound Action Group was a winner at the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence.”

Copies of the Wound Management Formulary are available to health practitioners by contacting any member of the Wound Action Group, Tel: 685547.