How this wound care nursing team is easing GP pressures and improving patient outcomes

We caught up with the Nursing Award shortlist ahead of this year’s General Practice Awards, taking place on 5 December at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith.

Since launching in April 2024, the Willows Health Wound Care Nursing Team has established a specialist service supporting hundreds of patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

The structured, evidence-based service has eased pressure on GPs and nurses while improving access and outcomes for people with complex or chronic wounds.

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Led jointly by nurses Elaine Sihlabo and Cherie Sutton and overseen by director of nursing Emma Bradbury, the team now operates from four dedicated sites – including weekend clinics – and has delivered close to 4,000 appointments in under a year.

Standardised assessments and follow-up planning have improved healing times and reduced complications, particularly among patients with diabetes and vascular conditions.

Feedback from patients and practices has been overwhelmingly positive. A survey found a 100% recommendation rate and an average satisfaction score of 9.23 out of 10, with 98% of patients reporting clear understanding of their treatment.

One patient commented: ‘Honestly, it was better than any hospital experience I’ve had in years.’ Another noted that weekend care meant their father did not go without treatment – ‘The team is a credit to the NHS.’

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A practice manager in Leicester said: ‘Having Willows manage our wound care cases has freed up two GP sessions a week. The difference is remarkable – for patients and for us.’

Director of nursing Emma Bradbury says the team has worked ‘tirelessly’ to provide safe, compassionate care and transform a brand-new offer into a trusted part of the local healthcare system.

‘We’re proudest of establishing a service that is improving outcomes and delivering excellent patient feedback,’ she says.

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Ms Bradbury believes winning the award would ‘affirm the impact the team has made in a short time’ and recognise the resilience and drive that has underpinned the service’s development.

‘It would be a meaningful recognition of the team’s hard work and their passion for delivering excellent patient care,’ she says.