Do you need a referral for wound care and dressing?

A clinic may assess and dress a minor wound directly, while a hospital or specialist service may require a referral for ongoing care. The clinician will consider wound depth, contamination, tissue damage, circulation, sensation and conditions such as diabetes. Dressing choice also depends on moisture, drainage, infection risk and the surrounding skin.

For a minor wound, gently rinse away visible dirt with clean running water, apply gentle pressure for bleeding and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not pour harsh chemicals into the wound or remove deeply embedded objects yourself. Arrange a clinical review if the wound is deep, gaping, heavily contaminated, caused by a bite, or is not improving. Take your medication list and vaccination history to the appointment.

Seek urgent care for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, loss of feeling or movement, exposed bone or tendon, a large skin flap, or a wound from a serious injury. Get prompt medical attention if redness spreads, pain worsens, pus appears, fever develops or red streaks travel away from the wound.

Ask whether you need a referral, how often the dressing should change, which symptoms suggest infection, and whether your tetanus protection needs review.