Undertake treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds

This standard covers undertaking treatments and dressings related to the care of individuals' lesions and wounds. It is applicable in a variety of care settings including hospitals, care homes, the individuals own home or other community settings such as GP surgeries.

This standard involves removing and disposing of soiled dressings and wound coverings, cleaning lesions and wounds and applying fresh treatments/dressings.

All of these activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following organisational guidelines and procedures.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. check the individual's identity and the confirm the planned activity
9. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures

10. confirm all equipment and materials for treatments and dressings are:

    • as prescribed/detailed in the individual's care and support plan
    • appropriate to the procedure
    • fit for purpose
      

11. carry out the treatments and dressings:

    • at an appropriate time according to the individual's care and support plan
    • using appropriate techniques
    • in line with manufacturer's instructions
    • in a manner which optimises the comfort, privacy and dignity of the individual and minimises pain and trauma
      

12. observe the lesion/wound for any change in appearance

13. observe the individual throughout the activity, recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
14. maintain the sterility of the dressing prior to and during application
15. apply or attach dressings correctly
16. use suitable non-allergenic dressings where individual allergies have been identified
17. ensure that the pressure exerted by the dressing is consistent with the type of wound
18. dispose of waste in accordance with organizational procedures
19. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to undertaking treatment and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. why individuals should be supported and informed about the nature of the lesions/wound treatment or dressing
14. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to treatments and dressings related to the care of lesions and wounds
15. the adverse reactions which may occur during and following procedures and how to identify and deal with these
16. the role of the tissue viability/wound care specialist practitioner and how they can be contacted
17. the anatomy and physiology of the skin related to the application of dressings and wound supports

18. the following regarding wound healing:

    • the process of wound healing
    • factors affecting wound healing
    • potential complications of wound healing
      

19. the principles and working practices associated with:

    • asepsis
    • antisepsis
    • cross infection
      

20. how aseptic technique contributes to the control of infection

21. potential sources of contamination when undertaking treatments and dressings and appropriate measures to reduce or deal with them
22. the potential consequences of wound contamination
23. the equipment and materials required for the treatments and dressings you are required to undertake
24. why resources should be prepared before you start the activity
25. the types of treatments that are undertaken within your work area and why they are carried out
26. the types and purposes of dressings used within your work area
27. the importance of following the treatment and dressing procedures exactly as it is specified, and the potential effects of not doing so
28. the importance of packing up used equipment and soiled dressing materials prior to leaving the immediate care area
29. how and dispose of waste material in accordance with organisational procedures
30. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS12

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Treatments, dressings, lesions, wounds

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