Wound Care
About 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
When is professional help needed?
- Redness or swelling around the wound area accompanied by pain
- Offensive smell
- Pus-like discharges
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.
- Poor nutrition
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
- Invasive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Smoking
Our Holistic Wound Care Services
At St Luke’s Hospital, patient care is holistic, coordinated and individualised. There is also continuity of care from inpatient, to outpatient and even in the community.
Medical Care
- Medical assessment
- Management of chronic conditions to facilitate wound healing
- Management and treatment of wound infections
Nursing Care
Wound care utilising the following techniques and technological devices:
- Silhouette Wound Management System which allows capturing of precise wound images and monitoring of wound healing trends.
- Ultrasonic Wound Debridement Therapy which enables an effective and gentle method for debriding wounds, removing micro-organisms without damaging healthy tissue, thus enhancing wound healing
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy is a therapeutic technique used to manage exudate and promote wound healing
Rehabilitation Care
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
Dietetic Services
- Assess nutritional status
- Nutritional counselling and recommendation of dietary interventions
St Luke’s Community Clinic
- Regular medical consultations
- Review of wound and skin conditions
- Management of chronic conditions to facilitate wound healing
- Nursing procedures and education on chronic disease management
Day Rehabilitation Centre
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
Home Care
For clients who are home-bound, our home care services bring healthcare to you, through Home Medical, Home Nursing and Home Therapy services.
St Luke’s Community Wound Centre
St Luke’s Hospital cares for patients who require wound care. In 2016, we set up a community wound centre. It aims to be a one-stop resource centre that provides integrated wound care management, builds wound care knowledge and capability for healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers through education and training, reinforces wound care practices in nursing homes, shares best practices amongst industry experts and measures care outcomes through research.
Western SilverCare (locally known as “Jin Jia Ho! Bagus!”)
A community frailty and screening programme initiated by St Luke’s Hospital which reaches out to residents staying in Bukit Batok aged 60 and above to help them stay physically, mentally and socially healthy.
Care Coordination Services
Work with patients and their loved ones on care plan and coordination of services
Medical Social Work Services
- 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
Pastoral Care Services
Provide a comforting presence and emotional support for patients and their families
Admissions & Appointments
Inpatient Admissions:
referral@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3290
Day Rehabilitation Centre:
drc@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3205
Home care:
hcs@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3204
