Wound Care
About Wound Care
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
Some signs of a chronic wound requiring special care include:
- 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.
Other factors that affect the wound healing process:
- Poor nutrition
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
- Invasive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Smoking
Patient Stories
Diabetic patient Toh Siong Been developed multiple wounds from a very small cut that landed him in the hospital. He often wondered if he would have another chance of going...
Our Holistic Wound Care Services
St Luke’s Community Wound Centre
In 2016, St Luke’s Hospital 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.
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.
GymTonic
St Luke’s Hospital is a provider of Gym Tonic, a strength-training programme which aims to help seniors extend their independence and functional years.
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: contact referral@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3290
St Luke’s Community Clinic: contact outpatientclinic@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3230
Day Rehabilitation Centre: contact drc@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3205
Home care: contact hcs@stluke.org.sg or 6895 3204
