Empowerment Resources

A leg ulcer can be defined as a break in a person’s skin which becomes chronic in nature and takes longer than two weeks to heal (NHS UK, 2019). Evidence outlined by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states that the prevalence of leg ulcers in the United Kingdom is around one percent over a lifetime, which still describes a large number of people (NICE 2022; Lim et al, 2018). The prevalence of leg ulcers continues to rise and a shift in lifestyle factors, including smoking and obesity, have contributed to this (Agale, 2013). Further risk factors for developing leg ulcers include immobility, advancing age, a history of varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and having a sedentary lifestyle (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN], 2010; Lim et al, 2018). The challenge of caring for these chronic wounds often falls to staff in primary care. Therefore, they should have a good understanding of leg ulcers and how best to treat them. In the author’s opinion, Leg Clubs® provide an ideal opportunity to manage lower limb wounds, while also tackling the wider holistic issues of leg ulcers, such as social isolation and loneliness.

Chronic oedema is a soft tissue swelling present for at least three months, most commonly caused by venous and lymphatic impairment. It has a huge impact on quality of life and over time may cause social deprivation. The mainstay of treatment is compression therapy and treatment of the underlying cause. Comfort and acceptability of the compression system is essential. Clinicians need to work with patients to ensure that they are included in treatment decisions and empowered to take charge of their condition.

To help us celebrate 25 years of the Journal of Community Nursing we asked the Director of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Jo Hesketh, to reflect on the last quarter of a century from a community nurses’ viewpoint.
Jo Hesketh RGN, MSCLLB 1, is Director of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, London. Article accepted for publication May 2002.

Lynn Hull discusses a case history which looks at delivering dietary education to elderly diabetic patients.
Lynn Hull RGN, Dip HE is a Community Staff Nurse at East & North Hertfordshire PCT Article accepted for publication: July 2007

Excellence in Practice Award runner up Louise Johnson gives an overview of the impact of non cancer lymphoedema on patients' quality of life
Louise Johnson RGN is a Community Staff Nurse, Rotherham PCT