According to the 2021 NHS Benchmarking Network (NHSBN) wound care is estimated to cost £8.3bn per year and take up 50% of community nurse time.
This time and cost is largely spent managing lower limb wounds. By improving lower limb wound care, speeding healing and reducing recurrence rates, we can reduce spend on dressings and release 11% of community nursing time. (Source: NWCSP).
Strategic areas we can make a significant impact are pressure ulcers, along with lower limb and surgical wounds. Together these account for 56% of wounds but a disproportionate 86% of NHS wound care spend (Source: NWCSP). Our programmes focus on these areas.
By making wound care a priority we can deliver more efficient and cost effective care, while ensuring faster healing and fewer recurrences. All this will play a key part in addressing health inequalities.
