Wounds Australia is calling for the new Federal Government to take steps to better support people living with chronic wounds.
The peak body for wound prevention, diagnosis, treatment and healing said that significant work was required to counter hidden chronic wounds, especially in aged care.
According to Wounds Australia chairperson Hayley Ryan, reducing and countering chronic wounds can save people from experiencing avoidable pain, infections and amputations.
“Labor’s $1 billion Medicare election pledge could dramatically reduce the physical and financial suffering of over 420,000 chronic wound patients, but only if wound prevention and treatment is specifically factored into its implementation,” she said.
“Wounds Australia supports the new government’s focus on ‘chronic conditions’ in their Strengthening Medicare Fund, but it will only be a meaningful policy if it includes the diagnosis, treatment and healing of wounds.
“Nearly half a million Australians impacted directly by chronic wounds have had enough. Their carers and supporters have had enough. They are all watching to see if the new minister takes decisive action to reduce chronic wounds.”
According to a 2020 Medicare Taskforce, it was estimated that 450,000 Australians live with chronic wounds, with the most common being pressure, diabetic, venous and artery insufficiency ulcer. The taskforce also estimated that the cost of treating these wounds was more than $3 billion.
In response, Wounds Australia has called for National Wound Services Scheme to subsidise wound products for people with these ulcers, people aged over 65 and government concession card holders.
The peak body is also lobbying for a national public health campaign on warning signs and treatment options; the introduction of wound care education modules into medical, allied health and aged care courses; and funding for the treatment of chronic wounds in primary health care.