AQW 38430/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 16/01/2026
Answered On Date: 20/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a criteria for GPs to refer patients to a tissue viability nurses.

Answer:

My Department does not routinely commission set criteria for referral but would expect clinicians to consider recognised best practice guidance in determining the most appropriate pathways for their patient. Primary care referrals to secondary care can be informed or supported by criteria or advice from secondary care colleagues but a patient’s GP can always make a referral to a hospital Trust if they consider this to be the most appropriate route or in the best clinical interests of the patient.

Within South Eastern Trust, the Tissue Viability (TV) Team has five tissue viability nurses and a specialist tissue viability lead nurse. They provide specialist wound management and preventative advice for patients with complex aetiologies/ comorbidities and psychosocial issues. The TV team also provides practical support and education in wound management in the clinical setting.

All patients with wounds or who are at risk of tissue damage and require specialist advice from the tissue viability team, will be assessed and treated in a manner, which considers all aspects of the individual’s health care needs to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Referrals to the service can be made via Primary Care Connect via GPs, community nurses, pharmacists and other authorised clinicians. The service operates Monday to Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm (excluding bank holidays), Tel: 02895 988000.

I hope this overview of the HSC arrangements in your constituency addresses any concerns you may have.