Leg Ulcer Specialist Service

The Leg Ulcer Service provides specialist assessment and ongoing management for patients with a lower limb wound above the ankle and below the knee which has been present for six weeks or longer and is not healing.

The service has multiple clinics for ambulatory patients across the county which run from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and is provided by clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses and healthcare support workers who have additional training and extended knowledge and skills in leg ulcer management.

We are currently unable to provide diagnostic Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) or lower limb assessments for patients without a wound on their leg or for compression stocking measuring.

A leg ulcer is a long-lasting wound that takes more than two weeks to heal and is usually found on the lower leg between the knee and the ankle.

The most common type of leg ulcer is a venous ulcer which can develop after injury or if high pressure in the veins of the legs has weakened the skin.

You are more likely to develop a leg ulcer if you:

  • Are overweight
  • Have had a deep vein thrombosis in your legs which can damage the veins
  • Have difficulty walking which can weaken the calf muscle affecting the circulation in the legs
  • Have varicose veins
  • Have had surgery or injury to the leg such as a broken bone or a hip replacement
  • Have had a leg ulcer previously and are not wearing preventative compression garments

Most venous leg ulcers will heal if they are treated by healthcare professionals trained in the management of lower limb wounds using compression therapy. Compression therapy may be in the form of stockings or bandages which can help to improve the blood flow to the legs.

Some patients may also need to be referred to a vascular surgeon who may assess your suitability for surgical treatments dependant on the cause of the ulceration.

The Leg Ulcer Specialist Service promotes and encourages patients to be involved in all aspects of their wound care and will provide the education and knowledge needed to achieve supported self-care.

Referrals can be made by any registered healthcare professional via the operations centre. We do not accept self referrals.

Please click here to see the referral criteria and complete the referral form.

Beech House

Witham Park

Waterside South

Lincoln

LN5 7JH

Telephone: 0300 123 4868

Email: lhnt.lchsreferrals@nhs.net

Please see the links below for further information:

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