Wound Care

Wound Care

Your wound may have been treated by suturing (stitches), steristrips or medical glue. The
method depends on the type of wound.

Keep the wound dry – wash around the wound where possible.

Do not cover with waterproof fingerstalls, plastic bags, etc, unless advised, as this will make
the wound soggy and prone to infection in certain circumstances.

Stitches

Sutures should be removed in about 5-10 days; the doctor or nurse will advise you on this.
The sutures will usually be removed in about 5-10 days; the doctor or nurse will advise you on
this. The sutures will usually be removed by your GP or practice nurse. You are responsible
for making the necessary appointment

Steristrips

Steristrips can be removed after 5-7 days. The wound should be moistened for about 10
minutes and the strips carefully removed. This can be done at home or by your GP or practice
nurse.

Glue

Medical glue does not need to be removed, the glue drops off by itself when the wound is
healed. If the wound discharges or becomes painful, red or swollen inform your GP.

Tissue Adhesive (Glue)

The glue is a special ‘medical glue’ designed to treat wounds.

Keep the wound clean and dry for 5 days. If a dressing has been applied, leave it in place for
5 days. If you are worried about the wound, inform your GP or return to the Accident Centre.

A scab will from on the wound, which will come away once you start washing the area.

Do not pick!
There is a small chance the wound will re-open. Don’t worry, come back and we will re-assess
the injury. The redness of the scar may take 6 months or more to fade.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your
loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on
the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and
reassure you.

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and
where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with
us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted
on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback
and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in
charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any
questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve
your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support
about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you
feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your
concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and
guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be
aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within
one working day.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:

• Contact your GP
• NHS 111: Telephone 111
• Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
• Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
• In an emergency telephone 999

Emergency Department (A&E)
Alexandra Hospital
Woodrow Drive
Redditch B98 7UB
Tel: 01527 512030

Minor Injury Unit
Kidderminster Hospital
Bewdley Road
Kidderminster DY11 6RJ
Tel: 01562 513039

Emergency Department (A&E)
Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester WR5 1DD
Tel: 01905 760743

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