After a successful 20-week trial, the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) has officially opened a specialized clinic dedicated to treating chronic and complex wounds and stomas at Broken Hill Hospital in New South Wales, Australia.
This crucial new clinic will provide a wide range of services for patients struggling with chronic wounds or stomas, including comprehensive care, expert management, and vital education.
Open once a week, the clinic will cater to all Far West LHD out-patients, ensuring access to specialized care for those in need.
Recognizing the challenges faced by those living in remote areas, the clinic will also provide access to specialized care through telehealth appointments, extending its reach across the entire Far West LHD district.
NSW regional health minister Ryan Park highlighted the numerous benefits the clinic has already delivered during its trial phase, emphasizing improvements in care delivery and reduced time and costs for patients.
“The clinic has significantly improved the quality of life for patients and reduced unnecessary hospital visits,” said Minister Park. “This much-needed clinic provides a dedicated space where individuals with complex or difficult-to-heal wounds can receive personalized care and develop comprehensive wound care plans in consultation with their families.”
Spearheading this important initiative is FWLHD clinical nurse consultant Megan Jordan, a dedicated nursing professional who champions a person-centered approach to healthcare.
Jordan emphasizes the complexities of chronic wound management, noting that patients with underlying conditions like diabetes may require additional support from specialists such as diabetes educators or dietitians to enhance their wound healing.
“Taking the time to understand each patient’s individual needs and develop a tailored wound care strategy is crucial for successful treatment,” Jordan explained.
Chronic wounds, known for their resistance to healing, can see significant improvements in patient outcomes with proper assessment and a well-structured management plan developed by a collaborative team of healthcare professionals.
The new clinic welcomes referrals from healthcare providers across the FWLHD for patients with chronic or complex wounds, including general practitioners and local healthcare facilities.
Individuals with a stoma, such as a colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy, can also access the clinic through referrals from FWLHD services, GPs, tertiary hospitals, or even through self-referral.
The clinic utilizes a collaborative shared model of care, involving the patient, their family, and their general practitioner in the development and implementation of their care plan, ensuring a comprehensive support system.
Patients also benefit from coordinated care initiatives with other outpatient wound care services across the FWLHD, including the Broken Hill Nurse Led Wound Clinic and Community Nursing.
FWLHD Clinical Governance Director Wendy Gleeson praised the clinic’s focus on person-centered care and its role in coordinating care for patients with complex wound care needs.
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“I am pleased to support the establishment and continued operation of this essential service to our communities,” Gleeson said. “Incorporating telehealth has further enhanced accessibility to this service for patients and their families.”
“Chronic wound care clinic opens at Broken Hill hospital” was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.
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How does the new specialized clinic at Broken Hill Hospital aim to overcome these challenges and improve patient outcomes?
## Expanded Wound Care in Remote Australia: An Interview with Megan Jordan
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing an exciting development in healthcare for the Far West Local Health District in New South Wales, Australia. A new specialized clinic has opened its doors at Broken Hill Hospital, dedicated to treating chronic and complex wounds and stomas.
Joining us today is Megan Jordan, the clinical nurse consultant spearheading this crucial initiative. Welcome, Megan!
**Megan Jordan**: Thank you for having me.
**Host:** First, can you tell us a bit about the need for this specialized clinic in the Far West region?
**Megan Jordan:** Absolutely. Many people in this region live with chronic or complex wounds, often due to underlying conditions like diabetes. These wounds can be incredibly difficult to treat and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.in the past, access to specialized care has been a challenge, particularly for those in remote areas. This clinic is designed to bridge that gap and provide the expert care these patients deserve.
**Host:** I understand this clinic builds upon a successful 20-week trial. What were some of the key benefits observed during that trial period?
**Megan Jordan:** The trial was truly encouraging. We saw significant improvements in patient outcomes, including faster healing times and reduced hospital readmissions. We also heard firsthand from patients about the positive impact the clinic had on their quality of life.
**Host:** That’s fantastic news! Can you elaborate on the services provided by the clinic?
**Megan Jordan:** Certainly. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including wound assessment, personalized management plans, ongoing care, and importantly, vital education for both patients and their families. We also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as diabetes educators and dietitians, to ensure each patient receives holistic and tailored support.
**Host**: I understand that telehealth plays a role in reaching patients in remote areas. Can you tell us more about that?
**Megan Jordan**: Definitely. Telehealth allows us to provide remote consultations and follow-up appointments, ensuring that even those living in the most remote parts of the Far West LHD have access to our specialized expertise.
**Host**: That’s a truly remarkable initiative! What message would you like to share with potential patients or their families who might be considering the clinic?
**Megan Jordan**: My message would be simple: if you’re struggling with a chronic wound or stoma, please know that you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to provide compassionate, expert care and support every step of the way. We are committed to improving the lives of our patients and helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.
**Host**: Thank you so much for taking the time to share this vital information, Megan. We wish you and the entire team at the new clinic all the best in your valuable work.