Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) is gaining national and international recognition for its pioneering work in wound care, following a successful evaluation of the Heel Pro Advance boot. This is a redesigned foot protection product, provided by Talarmade, which has significantly improved patient outcomes and nursing efficiency.
The initiative, part of a wider service redesign, was a collaborative effort involving tissue viability, podiatry, and orthotics. The evaluation was launched at VoLH in December, with 100 patients participating, a benchmark figure in wound care research. The results were remarkable: zero incidents of pressure damage among those who used the boot.
“This was about finding a solution that worked better for our nurses and patients,” said Heather Hodgson, Lead Nurse for Tissue Viability at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“The Heel Pro Advance boot ticked all the boxes. It’s easy to use, no need to worry about sizes or left and right feet, and more comfortable for patients.”
The boot’s flat-packed design also improved storage and sustainability, while simplifying the process for busy nursing teams.
“We just wanted something that nurses could grab from the cupboard and use immediately,” Heather explained. “The feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive. They loved the ease of use and the time saved.”
Findings from the evaluation have been shared at major conferences, including the Scottish Diabetic Foot Forum, the Royal College of Podiatrists, and Wounds UK, helping to shape practice across Scotland and the wider UK.
The VoLH team played a central role in the evaluation’s success, embracing the new approach and demonstrating the hospital’s capacity for innovation.
“It’s a community hospital, but so much good work can be generated because it’s representative of the wider clinical population,” Heather said. “The team should be commended for having faith in the process and making it work.”
