Orthopaedics
Ward 31/33
Version 1: August 2023
Review date: August 2025
This information has been developed to supplement the information the nurse practitioner or doctor has already given you.
National Treatment Centre
Telephone: 01592 643355 extension 22685.
We run this service 8am-8pm – out with these times, you can contact NHS 24 for advice.
What kind of dressing do I have on?
Depending on your surgery you may have a bandage or a surgical dressing.
- The surgical dressing provides a waterproof barrier to protect your skin, allowing you to shower and dress normally.
- A bandage may have been applied in theatre.
- A mepore (white island dressing) may be covering your stitches or skin clips.
How long can my dressing stay on?
A waterproof surgical dressing can stay in place for 14 days. This means we aim for your dressing to be removed during skin clip (staple) removal or a community wound review.
The duration of your bandage will be outline in your discharge letter – if the request from the surgeon is to keep bandage in place until review it is important to keep this dry.
A mepore dressing may be on place – this is generally for protection for a few days. If you require extra to allow showering the discharge nurse can provide them.
There is blood on my dressing, what should I do?
Blood contained within your dressing is normal. We know you may find this concerning, in surgical dressing soakage that is contained within your dressing is normal. This does NOT require renewal.
This dressing was placed in sterile conditions, and we aim to leave the dressing on for the full two weeks if possible.
The soakage is no longer contained.
Your dressing requires changing.
Please contact the National Treatment Centre directly on 01592 643355 extension 22685.
We run this service 8am-7.30pm – out with these times, you can add additional padding or contact NHS 24 for advice.
Please do not attempt to redress at home.
I have concerns, what if I have a wound infection?
There are several signs of infection to be aware of.
- Feeling unwell - temperature, shivering, lethargy.
- New/worsening pain at the wound site.
- Discharge from wound.
- Excessive swelling at the wound site.
- Redness around wound.
- Excessive heat surrounding the wound site.
Who can I contact if I have concerns?
If you have any concerns regarding your wound, please contact us on 01592 643355 extension 22685 (8am–7.30pm) and NHS24 out with these hours.
You will then be able to discuss your concerns with a nursing staff member who will triage your concerns and direct your care to the appropriate team member.
It is vital that no antibiotics are commenced before a wound swab is obtained. We are happy to discuss any orthopaedic concerns you may have post-discharge and welcome any feedback you may have.
Any other health issues, please get in touch with your GP, NHS24 or A&E.
Please contact NHS 24 or seek urgent medical treatment if you require emergency assistance.
Can I see my GP instead of contacting the ward?
We advise contacting the ward in the first instance. However, if your GP is concerned that there may be signs of a wound infection, in that case, we request that a wound swab be obtained before any antibiotics are started. We also request the GP alerts a member of the orthopaedic staff to ensure appropriate follow-up.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
