Does a general practice perform wound suturing?

Some general practices perform wound suturing for suitable injuries after checking the wound and the person’s overall health. Availability varies, so call ahead when possible; a clinic may instead direct you to urgent care if the wound is complex or needs specialist repair.

The clinician examines the wound for depth, contamination, tissue loss and damage to nerves, tendons or blood vessels. They also check movement and sensation near the injury. If suturing is suitable, the area is cleaned and numbed before the edges are brought together with stitches. Some wounds are better managed with another closure method or left open while they heal.

Stitches need aftercare and may need removal at a planned review, depending on their type and the wound's location. A scar can remain even when healing is uncomplicated.

Use clean material to apply steady pressure to bleeding and keep the injured area raised if practical. Rinse away loose surface dirt with clean running water, but do not scrub deeply or remove an embedded object. Note when and how the injury occurred, and bring your tetanus history and medicine list.

Keep food and drink decisions guided by the receiving service, particularly if you might need a larger procedure. Do not delay urgent assessment while waiting for a clinic callback.

Go to urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, a deep or widely separated wound, an injury from a bite or dirty object, exposed bone, severe pain, numbness or loss of movement. Emergency help is appropriate for fainting, pale clammy skin or breathing difficulty. A wound involving the face, hand, joint or genital area may need specialised repair.

Ask: Is suturing appropriate for this wound? Does it need cleaning or imaging first? When should the stitches be reviewed or removed? How should I protect the area, and which changes require urgent reassessment?