Continuation of payment for patients who require escalation to the community wound care clinics and are affected by the waiting times to access these clinics
Updated: Oct 13
On 16/9/26 SBUHB Primary Care Team have released the following statement regarding funding arrangements for patients who require escalation to the community wound care clinics and are affected by the waiting times to access these clinics which can be used as evidence for PPV claims:
"Dear Colleague
The LMC has raised ongoing concerns regarding waiting times for review and handover to Community Wound Care Clinics, and the potential implications for continuation of payment and possible PPV reclaims. We can confirm that the service specification states:
"Be aware that if a wound has not healed by six weeks, clinicians should refer the patient to a specialist service (e.g. the Community Wound Care Service)."
Where a referral has been made to the Community Wound Care Service for assessment and review, practices will not be penalised for providing ongoing wound care pending that review. In such circumstances, continuation of care by the practice will not result in PPV recovery or payment clawback where the delay is attributable to waiting times within the Community Wound Care Service.
In addition, where a wound is showing little or no evidence of healing before the six-week point, practices may wish to consider making an earlier referral to the Community Wound Care Service, taking account of current waiting times and their clinical judgement, to help avoid unnecessary delays in specialist review and ongoing management.
We hope this provides clarification and reassurance. If you have any queries, please contact the Primary Care Team.
Craige Wilson
Deputy Chief Operating Officer and PCTSG Service Group Director"
Whilst we are pleased that SBUHB have released this letter, Morgannwg LMC feels it is important to reiterate that if your practice has not signed up to the complex wound care supplementary service and continue to manage complex wounds, GMPI have indicated that you might not be indemnified for this work. GMPI scheme coverage applies only where activity is stipulated within the GMS contract or constitutes a qualifying primary medical service arrangement commissioned directly by the HB.
Operating without indemnity would be against GMC and NMC guidance and also not in line with HB clinical governance procedures.
In light of this position, we suggest that practices:
Contact GMPI (and your medical defence provider) directly to clarify your practice's specific position and discuss these points at a practice meeting to establish a formal management plan.
If necessary contact the HB to outline your practice's position, asking where the HB proposes complex wound patients, which remain a HB responsibility, should be directed for safe management.
We appreciate that this situation creates significant operational challenges for practices, but acknowledging and mitigating the risk of working without indemnity cover when managing complex wounds is essential.
If your practice is one of those affected please get in touch so we can help provide information to make a practice decision.