We are a nurse-led service providing advice and support to patients, carers and health care professionals who have (or who are caring for patients with) complex wounds.

The team works within community services, mental health inpatient units, residential homes, nursing homes and pediatric and learning disability teams in the following local areas:

  • Preston, Chorley and South Ribble
  • Please be aware that from Monday 1 July 2024, the Tissue Viability Service in Blackburn with Darwen has transferred to our colleagues at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (ELHT). The staff delivering these services will remain the same, meaning that patients will still receive the same excellent care, in the same place, by the same people. 

    You can contact them on 01254 283 609

Skin is the largest organ in the body. When it is damaged, the protection it provides from the outside is lessened and we may be more susceptible to infection, long-term open wounds and scarring. Wound care aims to make sure that the skin recovers from damage as quickly as it can.

We work in partnership with patients, carers and staff to help look after wounds and prevent the risk of skin damage now and in the future.

Tissue viability nurses can provide specialist advice on all types of wounds including:

  • Pressure ulcers
  • Leg ulcers
  • Surgical wounds
  • Traumatic wounds

We can also assess circulation and provide advice on the prevention of leg and pressure ulcers, pressure reducing equipment and we are trained in specialist therapies such as sharp debridement and negative pressure wound therapy.

Please note we don't undertake routine wound care and dressing changes. If you require a nurse to carry this out please contact your GP surgery for details of your local treatment room or for housebound patients your local district nursing team.

How to access the service 

Referrals are accepted from all health care professionals. 

The service operates Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Referrals are accepted from all health care professionals and will be triaged and responded to within two working days of being received.

To request a referral form please email the Tissue Viability team

Useful Links 

NHS Pressure Ulcer (pressure sore) information

Legs Matter (leg and foot healthcare campaign)

British Dietetic Association