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
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:
"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"
If you have any further questions please do get in touch with us.
