Understanding your wound.
Finding the right care.

Venous ulcers develop when problems with blood returning through the leg veins contribute to skin damage and breakdown. They often occur around the ankle and may be associated with swelling, varicose veins, skin discolouration, chronic venous insufficiency or previous deep vein thrombosis.

Our assessment considers the wound, venous circulation and arterial blood supply. Treatment may include appropriate compression, dressings, swelling management and ultrasound assessment. Where indicated, treating underlying venous reflux may form part of the plan to support healing and reduce recurrence.

Poor arterial blood flow can prevent wounds from healing and may threaten the limb. These wounds commonly affect the feet or toes and may occur with coldness, colour changes, pain on walking or pain at rest.

Our vascular surgeons assess whether inadequate circulation is contributing to the wound. Further testing and treatment to improve blood supply can be arranged when appropriate. Wound care is planned alongside the vascular assessment.

Diabetes can affect sensation, circulation and the body's ability to manage infection. A small injury may go unnoticed and develop into a more complex wound.

We assess wound depth, blood supply, sensation, infection and pressure on the foot. Treatment may include dressings, debridement where appropriate, off-loading, infection management and coordination with the patient's diabetes team.

Access to Dr. Jonathan Key provides additional podiatric expertise for diabetic foot problems, pressure-related wounds, foot deformity and limb preservation.

Pressure injuries may develop over areas such as the heels, hips or sacrum when prolonged pressure damages the skin and underlying tissue.

Care includes wound assessment and appropriate dressings, together with pressure relief, positioning, mobility support and attention to nutrition and moisture. We provide guidance for patients and caregivers to help protect vulnerable skin.

Some surgical wounds take longer than expected to heal or begin to open after surgery. We assess possible contributing factors, including infection, poor circulation, swelling, fluid collections and underlying medical conditions.

Care is tailored to the wound and may include cleansing, dressings, debridement, negative pressure wound therapy and coordination with the treating surgeon. Where further surgery or hospital treatment is needed, we help arrange the appropriate review.

Cuts, injuries and wounds following trauma may require ongoing care, particularly when there is tissue loss, contamination or delayed healing. We assess the extent of the wound and develop a plan for wound care and specialist referral where needed.

Increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge or other changes may indicate infection. Our team assesses the wound and determines whether investigations, antibiotics, drainage, debridement or further medical care are required.

A wound that remains open or repeatedly returns needs assessment of the factors affecting healing. We review circulation, pressure, swelling, infection, previous treatment and relevant health conditions, then plan ongoing care and prevention.

Persistent swelling can make skin fragile and complicate wound care. Management may include appropriate compression, skin care, dressings and coordination with lymphedema or physical therapy services. Compression is selected after assessment of circulation and clinical suitability.

We provide assessment and care for stomas and the surrounding skin. Problems may include irritation, skin breakdown, leakage, poor appliance fit and peristomal wounds.

Our nursing team helps patients protect the skin, manage dressings and appliances, and build confidence in daily stoma care. Problems requiring surgical review are referred to the medical team.