Areas Of Care
Wound Care
What is A Wound?
A wound is a skin or tissue injury that has impaired the normal functioning of the tissue. Typically, the skin heals quickly on its own. When they don’t, they are considered chronic wounds that would require special care.
Other common wound types include wounds arising from:
- Skin tear
- Pressure injuries resulting in tissue damage
- Ulcers from poor blood circulation
Causes of Wound Infection
A wound should be properly cared for to aid recovery, otherwise, the risks of infection will increase, particularly for open wounds. Microorganisms within the wound causes local tissue damage and may hamper the healing process.
Other factors that affect the wound healing process:
- Poor nutrition
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
- Invasive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Smoking
When is professional help needed?
Some signs of a chronic wound requiring special care include:
Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation
Recovering from surgery, injury or undergoing chemo/radiotherapy that affects wound healing
Showing signs of infection such as warmth, odour, pus or fever
Living with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores or venous ulcers
Experiencing cuts, sores or ulcers that are slow to heal or not improvin
Noticing redness, swelling, pain or fluid discharge around a wound
The SLH Difference
Comprehensive Care, Every Step of the Way
From hospital to home, we provide a full spectrum of wound care services — ensuring seamless and continuous support throughout your care journey.
Holistic Care Philosophy
Our Clinical, Social, Pastoral care model addresses your physical, social and emotional needs, restoring you beyond wellness to wholeness.
Award-Winning Excellence
Nationally recognised for service excellence and innovation, we deliver wound care that promotes healing, restores comfort and helps you live with confidence.
Your Care, Our Collective Expertise
Our team of healthcare professionals works together to design a personalised care plan tailored to your unique needs.
Our Holistic Wound Care Services
Our team provides evidence-based wound care to promote healing and support recovery through:
Comprehensive assessment and treatment of acute and chronic wounds which includes:
- Medical assessment
- Management of chronic conditions to facilitate wound healing
- Management and treatment of wound infections
Specialised wound management techniques to prevent and manage infections such as:
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – a therapeutic technique used to manage exudate and promote wound healing
- Silhouette Wound Management System – allows capturing of precise wound images and monitoring of wound healing trends.
- Ultrasonic Wound Debridement Therapy – enables an effective and gentle method for debriding wounds, removing micro-organisms without damaging healthy tissue, thus enhancing wound healing
Management of wounds related to chronic conditions such as:
- Management of diabetes to optimise blood glucose control and promote wound healing
- Assessment and management of poor circulation
Our rehabilitation team supports patients in maintaining comfort, independence, and dignity through personalised therapy, including:
Physiotherapy
- Exercises to work on walking, strength, balance, aerobic activity and flexibility to help in regaining functions
- Pain-relieving techniques
- Caregiver training and prescription of mobility aid upon discharge
- Mobility training devices such as the G-EO System, robotic exoskeleton, Balance Tutor may be used where required
Occupational Therapy
- Retraining on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
- ArmeoSpring – retraining patients in upper limb motor functions
- Hand of Hope (HOH) – trains motor movements of affected parts
- Prescription of suitable specialised equipment to maximise independence
- Home modification
- Caregiver training
Speech Therapy
- Swallowing and communication assessment and intervention
- Caregiver training
- Tracheostomy management
Music Therapy
- Pain management
- Improve social communication
Art Therapy
- Foster self-expression
- Improve emotional well-being
We journey with you and your family, offering practical, emotional and spiritual guidance along the way.
Counselling and social work support
- Assist patients and families in navigating emotional, financial, and practical challenges, including coordination of care and community resources
Spiritual and pastoral guidance
- Provide a comforting presence and emotional support for patients and their families
Recreational and group activities
- Encourage social connection, engagement, and participation, supporting overall wellbeing
We support families and caregivers with knowledge, guidance and emotional care, helping them provide the best support for their loved ones.
Caregiver education and training in wound cleaning, dressing and monitoring for infection
- Work with patients and their loved ones on care plan and coordination of services
- Guidance on nutrition, mobility and preventive care
Counselling and support to strengthen emotional and financial well-being
- Psychosocial care to our patients and their families
- Education & counselling for psychosocial and emotional issues
- Application of financial assistance schemes
- Linkages to community support service
Continuity of Care
At St Luke’s Hospital, patient care is holistic, coordinated and individualised.
There is also continuity of care from inpatient, outpatient to home and even in the community.
Government Subsidy
If you’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, you may qualify for subsidies based on the National Means Test.
Reach out to check your eligibility — we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
ST LUKE’S HOSPITAL ADMITS PATIENTS WITH THE FOLLOWING PROFILE:
- Any patient who is 40 years or older can be admitted for medical care and rehabilitation.
- Of any race and religion; and
- Medically stable for physical rehabilitation or continuing care.
- For patients suffering from stroke, hip fracture, amputations and general de-conditioning post surgical / medical conditions
PATIENTS UNSUITABLE* FOR ADMISSION INCLUDE THOSE WHO:
- Have unresolved social problems / discharge plan
- Have drains, traction, or require heavy spinal nursing care
- Require assisted ventilation
*Criteria for inpatient palliative care may differ from the above.
Yes. Patients have a choice of their step-down care institution. You may approach your primary team/doctor in your acute or primary care setting, or community hospital referral team of the hospital you are warded at and inform them of your choice.
Singapore citizens or permanent residents may select the ward class of their choice. We encourage you to choose the appropriate ward class, taking into account financial factors such as availability of insurance coverage and MediSave balance.
* Non-subsidised wards are available for non-resident patients.
The typical duration of each stay ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the individual needs and condition of each patient.
A discharge plan is a customised plan to cater to the patient’s care needs post discharge. Most patients are discharged to return home but with scheduled follow-up appointments at our Day Rehabilitation Centre, St Luke’s Community Clinic or with Home Care Services. Some patients may be discharged to long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
The cost of your hospital stay varies according to the admission type (Rehabilitation, Sub-acute Care or Palliative), length of stay and treatment needed. Please refer to our charges, payment and subsidies page for more information.
