Gloucestershire Leg Ulcer Service

Assessment and tests

During your first appointment with the Gloucestershire Leg Ulcer Service you will have a full assessment carried out by a leg ulcer nurse specialist. This will include recording your medical history, any medication you are currently taking and a history and review of your leg ulcer. Tests will be done to determine the type of leg ulcer you have. This appointment is likely to last for 1 to 1½ hours.

One of the tests you will have is a Doppler assessment. This involves having your blood pressure checked on your arms and legs. This test will measure the blood flow through your arteries.

You will also have an ultrasound scan to look at the condition of the veins in your leg. This will be performed by a vascular scientist and involves applying a gel to the skin from the top of your leg to your ankle. A hand held scanner will then be run up and down your leg allowing the scientist to look at your veins. You will be asked to remove your trousers or skirt for this test. The test may cause you a little discomfort.

Treatment

This may involve compression bandaging to the affected leg. For this reason we would ask you to bring a larger sized pair of shoes or slippers to wear home. Compression bandages helps the healing of your leg ulcer by gently squeezing the blood up the veins in your leg. This reduces any backflow and swelling.

The specialist nurse will discuss with you the type of leg ulcer, the treatment needed and answer any questions you may have.

You have the right to refuse any part of your treatment at any time.

Further appointments

Follow up appointments will be at one of our countywide Leg Ulcer Clinics (usually a clinic near to your home town). These appointments are usually every 4 to 6 weeks. Treatment between these appointments will be carried out by your practice nurse or community nurse. Alternatively, if you normally attend the Complex Leg Wound Clinic, your dressings will continue there.

Location

Cheltenham General Hospital

The Gloucestershire Leg Ulcer Service is at the front of the hospital. Enter the hospital through the main (pillars) entrance in Sandford Road. Turn left at the reception area and the Vascular Lab is about 50 metres along the corridor on the left. There is a ramp to the left of the main entrance for disabled access.

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

The Vascular Lab is situated on the ground floor of the Gallery Wing by the Medical Day Unit. The entrance to the Gallery Wing is opposite the multi-storey car park and to the right of the Tower Block entrance. The Vascular Lab is clearly signposted. When you arrive please report to the Vascular Lab reception.

Transport and parking

Car parking is available at both hospitals. There is a multi-storey car park at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Disabled spaces are available at both sites. Car parking charges are displayed next to the ticket machines. There are drop-off/pick-up areas at the main entrances; the waiting time is 20 minutes.

Buses to Cheltenham General Hospital

The bus services available are numbers 10, 51, 66, 98, 99 and E. There is a bus stop opposite the main hospital entrance and in College Road.

Buses to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

The following bus service numbers have stops nearby: 60, 63, 882, 94U, 94X.

The number 99 will take you take you from Gloucester bus station to the hospital. This service then goes on the Arle Court and Cheltenham General Hospital.

You can park for free at Arle Court Park and Ride but there will be a fee to pay when using the 99 bus, unless you are exempt from paying.

Contact information

Please let the department know if you are unable to keep your appointment by contacting the Gloucestershire Leg Ulcer Service or the Vascular Lab.

Gloucestershire Leg Ulcer Service

Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham Gl53 7AN

Tel: 0300 422 3480

Email: colin.davies1@nhs.net

Please leave any non-urgent messages on the answer phone/voicemail when prompted and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We are a countywide service so we are not always in the office.

The Vascular Lab

Cheltenham General Hospital

Tel: 0300 422 4227

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Tel: 0300 422 5618

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Please contact us if you have any special needs, or questions.