New outpatient clinic focused on wound care

Expanding its spectrum of care provision, Armadale Health Service (AHS) has opened an Outpatient Stomal Wound Care Clinic to serve those in the community with complex wounds or stomas.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Tari Magunda shared that the clinic is nurse-led and operates twice a week. 

“We provide patients with a range of services, including pre-operative stoma education, siting and counselling, follow-up stoma assessments and counselling after discharge, as well as management of stoma complications such as appliance leakage, peristomal ulceration, high output and granulomas,” Tari said.  

In addition, the clinic also addresses complex wounds such as pressure injuries, venous insufficiency ulcers, infected wounds and others that have not healed after simple treatment, along with follow-up wound assessments post-discharge.

“By focusing on comprehensive education, personalised care and ongoing support, we aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with complex wounds and stomas," Tari said. 

Since its opening on 21 May, the clinic has already “experienced a steady stream of patient referrals”.

"As awareness grows, I expect a significant increase in uptake," Tari said.  

"While we encountered some initial teething issues, it’s safe to say our processes are now running smoothly, with a lot of positive feedback from patients, which is great." 

Staff looking to refer patients can do so via eReferrals. For inpatient wound or stoma reviews, please contact the CNS directly at 0438 936 240 or Extension 1147. 

The Outpatient Stomal Wound Care Clinic does not accept referrals from GPs at this stage, but Tari is hopeful the service can be expanded to included these in the near future.