The first update of the Island’s Wound Formulary for three years will provide doctors, nurses and healthcare staff with a wide range of modern, effective products which offer value for money.
The Formulary is used by nurses to select the most suitable product for each patient. It offers practitioners a choice of dressings to heal injuries and wounds of every type from cavity wounds, pressure sores and ulcers to cuts and skin abrasions.
The updated Wound Formulary is the result of extensive product evaluation by the Wound Action Group (WAG) a body made up of acute nursing staff, community and practice nurses, colleagues from Hospice and private sector, along with podiatrists and other health staff.
The group assesses the choice presented by a vast healthcare products industry, a process which includes trials and direct contact with product marketing teams. Items appropriate for the Island’s needs are selected based on quality and cost effectiveness, with the decision-making period leading to publication spanning some two years.
The 2018 Wound Formulary has been officially launched by the Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford at Hospice Isle of Man today, Monday 3 December.
Al nursing staff and health care assistants involved with wound care are invited to drop-in to the hospice seminar room throughout the day until 7pm, to find out more about the new formulary. Representatives from 15 companies whose products are included in the listing will be on hand to give demonstrations and answer questions, alongside members of the WAG.
The 4th edition of the Wound Formulary includes photographs showing how each product can be used on a particular type of wound, offering nursing staff easy-to-find guidance and support.
Minister Ashford said:
‘I would like to thank the Wound Action Group for their dedicated work in selecting wound care items for our health service. Their meticulous research means patients can be confident that careful thought has gone into choosing the products used in their care, from the tiniest to the most sophisticated. Most of us take it for granted that our hospitals and surgeries stock modern, high quality products – but it doesn’t happen by accident!
He added:
‘During the coming year, we’ll be supporting staff as they work with new products and in some areas, take a new approach to dealing with wounds. The launch is a well-established event for staff to update their knowledge and skills and I’d encourage as many of them as possible to come along.’
This year Mannin Sepsis will have a stall at the drop-in day. The charity has recently donated diagnostic equipment to Noble’s to help doctors detect the condition quickly, and members will use the opportunity to widen understanding that any break in the skin can lead to a serious infection.
