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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday 3 August by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)’s Centre for Asian Nursing Studies (CANS), the Wound Healing Society of Singapore (WHSS) and Zuellig Pharma to launch a Wound Care Programme to promote excellence in wound care and management in Singapore and the region. 

Based on the Woundexpert ICW programme by German certification body Initiative Chronische Wunden (ICW), this wound care programme is co-organised by CANS and WHSS, and led by ICW-certified trainers Dr Chew Khong Yik, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and Ms Diane Eng, Nurse Clinician at TTSH, with support from an international pool of wound care experts. The programme covers topics such as management of wound infection, coordination of care for patients with chronic wounds, and multidisciplinary approaches to wound management. There will also be two days of observational clinical attachments. 

The ICW certifies wound care professionals and their hospitals and clinics as wound management trainers and centres in their respective countries. Over 30,000 healthcare professionals have been certified by the ICW across Europe. 

In the treatment of wounds, the goal is to accelerate the wound healing process towards full wound closure and promote the well-being of patients. Ageing populations and the rise of non-infectious chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia have been contributing to the growing prevalence of chronic wounds in Singapore, i.e. wounds that last more than eight weeks and with an underlying cause. If not seen to properly, infection and other complications can set in, affecting the patient’s healing. 

The management of chronic wounds is multifaceted and complex. As such, different specialities may adopt various approaches in treating these difficult problems. With the rise in chronic wounds, there is a need for greater education and training for healthcare professionals in the treatment of such wounds, in order to deliver consistent and continuous care and management. 

Mr Yong Keng Kwang, Chief Nurse of TTSH and Director of CANS, said, “CANS aims to be a platform for transforming nursing practice in Asia, and we’re excited to give regional and local nurses the opportunity to form a Community of Practice in advancing wound management especially targeted at an Asian patient base. TTSH sees more than 7,000 wound cases a year, and on top of their daily work, our four wound nurse specialists have been conducting research studies in order to advance wound care for our patients.” 

Dr Chew Khong Yik, who also serves as President of the WHSS, commented, “WHSS represents all healthcare professionals and allied health professionals who are passionate about wound care in Singapore. To this end, the new ICW standard aims to provide a common platform for all wound care practitioners to come together and contribute in the education of chronic wound care, to raise public awareness and to help combat the increasingly common problem of chronic wounds.” 

George Eassey, SVP Zuellig Pharma Commercial Solutions commented, “Supporting the training of medical professionals and making innovative solutions available in the treatment of wounds are critical to improving access to quality healthcare. We are proud and very eager to bring necessary attention to wound care and help patients accelerate their recovery through this partnership.” 

The Wound Care Programme will be launched officially in October 2018.