The Department of Health and Wellness is taking action to improve wound care in long-term care facilities and ensure consistent standards across the province.
The following actions have been taken:
— all long-term care facilities have been asked to immediately report all current pressure wounds to the department
— all facilities must also report all serious pressure ulcers, referred to as level three and four, to the department
— facilities are already required to have wound care protocols in place. The department is working to standardize the protocols across the province
These reporting requirements will improve tracking and oversight of wound care for residents in long-term care facilities.
“Nova Scotians and their families need to have confidence in the quality of care being provided in nursing homes,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “These steps will help address issues in wound care across the province.”
The department will use the data collected to help decide on further actions and will continue to work with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, clinical experts in wound care and care providers to consider additional steps.