10,000 Digital Wound Assessments in SouthEast London

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has reported a milestone of over 10,000 digital wound assessments carried out through smartphone-based technology, marking a significant change in how wound care is delivered across community services in Greenwich, Bexley and beyond. The approach allows clinicians to capture, measure and track wounds digitally, improving consistency and reducing the need for repeated in-person visits.  

The programme is part of a wider shift in the NHS towards digital-first community care, aimed at improving outcomes for patients with long-term conditions such as leg ulcers and other chronic wounds, which account for a substantial proportion of district nursing workload. 

For patients, this means more frequent monitoring without always needing to travel to clinics, with nurses able to review progress remotely and intervene earlier if a wound is not healing as expected. 

How digital wound care is changing treatment in Greenwich 

The system uses secure mobile technology to take standardised images and measurements of wounds, allowing clinicians to track healing progress over time. This helps reduce variation in assessment and supports more consistent clinical decision-making across teams. 

In practice, district nurses in Greenwich can now share wound data instantly with specialist colleagues, improving coordination between community teams and reducing delays in treatment adjustments. This is particularly important for patients with complex or slow-healing wounds who previously required frequent face-to-face reviews. 

The programme also supports a broader NHS ambition to shift care from hospital into the community, ensuring people can be treated closer to home while maintaining clinical oversight. 

What this means for patients and families 

For residents in Greenwich living with chronic wounds, diabetes-related complications, or mobility issues, the change can mean fewer unnecessary appointments and faster access to specialist input when needed. 

It also allows carers and patients to become more involved in monitoring progress, as images and updates can be used to explain healing trends and treatment decisions more clearly during consultations. 

At a system level, the approach is helping reduce pressure on community nursing teams by improving efficiency and freeing up clinical time for those with the most complex needs. 

Getting support in Greenwich 

Patients with non-healing wounds, ulcers or concerns about skin integrity should contact their GP practice in the first instance, who can refer to community nursing or specialist wound care services if required. 

Community health services in Greenwich are delivered through Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, working alongside local NHS and council partners. 

For urgent health concerns, including signs of infection or sudden deterioration, residents should contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by phone. 

In emergencies such as severe infection or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 999.