Community-based service is a “top team”

Wolverhampton patients are being supported to receive healthcare closer to home – with expert care and advice empowering them with the skills to manage their own conditions.

Community Ambulatory Clinics, delivered by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, provide specialist Nursing care and treatment for adults who find it difficult to travel to a clinic setting.

Services are Nurse-led and cover catheter care, complex wound management, and medication administration.

Darren Musgrove is one patient who is benefitting from care closer to home. The 58-year-old is currently visiting Mayfield Health Centre in Wolverhampton each week to have his leg wounds dressed.

He has a rare autoimmune condition and, as a result, developed Pyoderma gangrenosum (a skin condition) which led to his left leg having to be amputated in 2024.

While at first Darren continued to receive care for his right leg, he was successfully discharged in December 2025 with his sores having fully healed.

Due to the nature of his condition, however, Darren’s skin had started to split once again and he was referred on to the ‘Well Leg Pathway’ which included a rapid assessment at a wound care clinic.

This pathway proactively follows up with patients at six and 12 months to monitor their health and prevent deterioration.

He explained: “It’s much more convenient than driving to hospital which can often be very busy.

“It truly is a top team. If I say, can you have a look at this, or I’m concerned about this, they’ll be quick to assess and make a plan of action. They’re just so knowledgeable.”

Within Community Ambulatory, the Well Leg Pathway has reduced pressure on GP services as patients can refer themselves back into the team directly.

“It’s great to know I can just pick up the phone and call them. I wouldn’t be here today without them,” Darren said.

“It’s thanks to the staff that I’ve got my life back. Mentally I feel much better, and I’m able to go fishing again with adjustments.”

Laura Ponsford, Senior Sister, said: “We are so pleased to see how well Darren has progressed, and are incredibly proud of the way he has managed the significant changes in his life.

“Our goal is to help prevent patients with lower leg wounds from needing to return to the Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centres, or their GPs.

“By reducing avoidable attendances, we hope to ease waiting times and free up space for other seriously ill patients.”

Grandfather Darren is now looking forward to more quality time with his family thanks to the confidence he’s found around self-care and symptom management.

Patients interested in learning more about the Ambulatory Care Clinic service can ask their GP, healthcare professional, or social care worker to make a referral on their behalf.

The service is designed for patients aged 18 and above who are registered with a Wolverhampton GP.

For more information visit royalwolverhampton.nhs.uk/service/adult-community-services/adult-community-services-community-ambulatory-clinics/