The Leg Care Centre run by HCHC and Fareham College provides specialist care for patients in the Fareham and Gosport area in a comfortable, inviting environment. Linked to the Community Innovations Team (a patient support network), patients are able to come and mix with company so they can re-engage in communication and be re-socialised into the community. The Centre provides a social learning model that ensures patients aren't isolated in their homes waiting for district nurses. This helps to make the most efficient use of patient and nursing time.

Anecdotal evidence already suggests that patients are healing more quickly and without reoccurrence.  Led by Clinical Nurse, Pauline Edney, she has seen how the emphasis has changed because there is evidence to suggest that wounds heal quicker when you take the health aspect away and give the patient the responsibility for their own improvement.

The Leg Care Centre is also helping students because it provides a professional learning environment as those studying Health and Social Care and Access to Nursing, volunteer to gain hands-on experience which many universities look for. Without the experience, many universities will not accept students who wish to study a nursing profession or similar degree.

The Leg Care Centre has increased dramatically in terms of how many patients it treats. Since its official opening on 21st September 2009, it has gone from treating half a dozen patients to 505 patients a month.

Treatments include full leg assessments, specialist leg ulcer care, full health assessment, podiatry services, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and access to a dermatology nurse specialist.

For more information call (01329) 815 398 or through the Community Care Teams at local GPs.