How the world and our lives have changed! Coronaviruses have been known about for several years, and yet most of us had no idea of the effect one would have on all of our lives. I have watched and listened to reports on the effects of the virus and feel immense sadness for the significant loss of life. Many people have died before their time. I appreciate the loss of every single life and the impact on their loved ones. This is truly a very sad time. The distribution of cases can be viewed on the WHO situation report dashboard which is updated daily (https://tinyurl.com/ya4mhnz2).
However, many positive things have come out of this pandemic, and one very big change is a resurgence of appreciation for NHS staff. The modern media image of the nurse and other allied health professionals has changed in a positive way, and there has been a significant increase in applications for nurse training. I am unsure whether any other recruitment campaign could have been more successful. This is definitely a good thing, and there is no doubting the need for a highly skilled workforce for the future.
As with any major incident, we are very likely to be working in new ways with expansion/adaptation of physical facilities and flexible working patterns, including collaboration with other staff groups. A significant area of the impact in relation to tissue viability is the prevention of pressure ulceration in the prone patient. There is new guidance available, and I and Monique Maries have summarised this for you in this issue.
Even during these challenging times, there remains a need to continue with longer-term strategies, such as the National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP) (https://tinyurl.com/rqh5kfw). The forums have over 1200 stakeholders, and all are involved in the consultations. If you want to become involved, please do so. Do not think that your views do not count and that this is ‘just for specialists’—your opinion is valid.
A Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) framework has been achieved for lower-leg ulceration for community nursing providers for 2020–2021. Further information is available for clinical teams eligible for the CQUIN from Una Adderley via email (una.adderley@yhahsn.com). Draft lower-limb recommendations are also on the NWCSP website, and we wait to see if NHS England and NHS Improvement adopt them. For many patients these quality initiatives will ensure they receive the latest research-based care, which I am sure you will agree should be happening in all aspects of care within the NHS.
COVID-19 has prompted many changes, one being a greater focus on self-care. Many patients are now applying their own dressings. Advice and a video for patients looking after their own wound and information on shared care is available from the NWCSP (https://tinyurl.com/yd6hb7se).
Hand sanitisation is an essential part of infection prevention. Handwashing advice and a statement on dry skin is available from the British Association of Dermatologists (https://tinyurl.com/y9gjbz4j).
Self-help tips on anxiety, worry and COVID-19, as well as tips for self-isolating, are available from the Tissue Viability Society (https://tvs.org.uk/covid-19/). Patients managing their lymphoedema at home can access information from Accelerate (www.acceleratecic.com/coronavirus-covid-19). Advice on how to manage social distancing and self-isolation with a leg problem has been developed by Ellie Lindsay at www.legsmatter.org. Advice is also available on looking after a skin tear from the Tissue Viability Society (https://tvs.org.uk/skin-care/).
For many of us, this has been a challenging time. Doing a job with commitment, compassion and care can provide a sense of self-worth, but it is always good to feel valued. The Prime Minister's personal experience and the public's evident appreciation of the NHS should help the Government realise the vital role of the NHS and deliver a clearer, less politicsed approach to healthcare that is fit for 2020 and beyond.
Tissue viability staff make many significant contributions to healthcare. Many will be keen to move back into their specialty, having used their skills and experience in different areas througbh the pandemic. To deliver the longer-term NHS strategy for tissue viability, specialists and non-specialists alike, you are needed, and, more than ever, you are appreciated.