New 'Legs 11' outreach event held in Tullamore for lower limb patients

A new educational gathering called 'Legs 11' was held in Tullamore's Primary Care Centre earlier this month in order to help patients embarking on the journey of self-care following a lower limb ulcer.

The gathering emerged from the Vascular outreach integrated care clinic for patients which is run by Maree Healy, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Tissue Viability Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT), and Dr Mary Costello RANP Tissue Viability Laois/Offaly Public Health Nurse (PHN) group.

These clinics take place in Tullamore Primary Care Centre twice monthly, and are tailored towards a specific cohort of patients.

In line with the Sláintcare model of care, patients have embraced this service for its practicality and convenience. Many patients no longer need to attend a busy hospital setting but attend this community clinic which can be more accessible for many.

As part of this clinic they have now developed 'Legs 11' as a patient-focused educational component.

The inaugural event of the 'Legs 11' educational club was held on Wednesday, March 6, in the Primary Care Centre in Tullamore, and had a good attendance from patients and family members.

Maree Healy, RANP MRHT stated, "Using educational material from the HSE and the Legs Matter organisation, the focus for 'Legs 11' is on rehabilitation for patients post ulceration, self-care, shared care which educates family members and carers and education on the prevention of recurrence."

Dr Mary Costello RANP Laois/Offaly PHN, said, "Our focus is the impact of patient education on the prevention of recurrence of lower limb ulceration.

"During the sessions we will cover topics like skin care, leg exercises, compression therapies/ hosiery, modes and devices to apply and remove same and will afford patients and their family time to ask questions."

Louisea Burke, Director of Nursing MRHT commented, "As care providers, we aim to deliver safe, quality and person centred integrated care for our patients. Here at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, we are delighted to see the addition of this educational element to the vascular outreach clinics.

"Not only are the clinics more convenient for patients but they allow for trusted relationships to develop which can mean that patients may be more likely to ask questions they have about their care. Patients and their families will benefit hugely from this person-centred care."

Joan Bourke, Director Public Health Nursing, for the Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO8) stated, "I very much welcome this shared, clinical, and collaborative initiative between Primary Care and MRHT.

"It supports hospital avoidance measures and presents an opportunity for clients to be facilitated in Tullamore Primary Care Centre."