Assessment & Treatment
LPC’s Simple Wound Care Clinics provide assessment and treatment for simple wounds that are expected to heal within 4 weeks and require no more than two dressing changes per week.
The clinics run daily across two sites:
– Barbara Castle Way Health Centre
– Darwen Health Centre
Who the clinic is for (suitable wounds)
You may be suitable for the Simple Wound Care Clinic if your wound is:
- Expected to heal within 4 weeks
- Likely to need no more than 2 dressing changes per week
- A simple wound, for example: Post-surgical wounds needing clip or suture removal | Simple traumatic wounds | Uncomplicated minor wounds needing short-term dressings
Who the clinic is not for (not suitable)
The Simple Wound Care Clinic cannot see:
- Wounds on the lower leg below the knee (these require a full lower limb assessment and should be managed via the appropriate treatment room/lower limb pathway)
- Wounds that are complex, deteriorating, or not healing as expected
- Wounds that need more frequent dressing changes than the service provides
- Urgent care needs (we are not an urgent care service)
- Injuries requiring suturing (we do not suture)
How The Clinic Works
- Referral/booking (in line with the criteria)
- Assessment of the wound and overall concerns (e.g: infection/complications)
- Treatment with appropriate dressings and self-care advice
- Follow-up only if needed and within service limits (up to 2 visits per week)
- Discharge when healed, or onward referral if the wound is not improving
If your wound has not improved within 2 weeks, or is not healing as expected, you may need review and onward referral (for example to treatment room, your GP practice, or another pathway).
When To Seek Urgent Help
Please contact your GP practice or NHS 111 urgently if you notice:
- Increasing redness, swelling, heat, or pain
- Pus, spreading infection, or a foul smell
- Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- Numbness, colour change, or severe pain in the limb
Call 999 if symptoms are severe or there is an immediate risk to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you remove clips and sutures?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. If the wound is not ready, we may advise leavingthem in place and arranging review.
Can I attend if my wound is below the knee?
No. Lower leg wounds below the knee usually require a full lower limb assessmentand should be managed via the appropriate treatment room/lower limb pathway.
Do you prescribe antibiotics?
We assess for signs of infection and advise the most appropriate next steps. Antibiotics, if needed, are usually managed by your GP practice in line with local prescribing guidance.
How often can I be seen?
The service supports up to two dressing changes per week for simple wounds. If awound needs more frequent review or becomes complex, onward referral may beneeded.
Clinic Locations
Barbara Castle Way Health Centre
Address: Simmons Street, Blackburn. BB2 1AX
Clinic times:
- Monday All day
- Tuesday none
- Wednesday 8am to 12pm
- Thursday 13.00pm to 16.30pm
- Friday 13.20pm to 17.00pm
Darwen Health Centre
Address: James St West, Darwen BB3 1PY
Clinic times:
- Tuesday 12.30pm to 16.30pm
- Friday 8am to 12pm
How to Book or Refer
Please contact 01254 961018, Option 1.
