We are excited to announce that we have teamed up with the Legs Matter campaign. Over the next year, we will be joining forces to advocate for better services and outcomes for patients with lower limb conditions.
What is Legs Matter?
Legs Matter is an organisation dedicated to raising awareness and improving the lives of patients with lower limb conditions.
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with a lower limb condition. In many cases, these conditions are assessed inadequately or too late, leading to poor care plans and unnecessary patient harm. Together with its supporters, Legs Matter is calling on “senior leaders and decision makers within the NHS to radically rethink the way leg and foot conditions are managed in order to reduce harm.” [1]
What is the scale of impact?
Lower limb conditions are one of the biggest healthcare challenges facing patients and the NHS. Despite this, their prevalence and impact is both underestimated and understated in the UK.
Around 1 million people are living with leg ulcers, while another 326,000 are living with diabetic foot ulcers. [2] These wounds are not only some of the most difficult to manage, but also some of the most physically and emotionally distressing for patients.
Statistics show that the prevalence of wounds has increased by 71% from 2012/2013 to 2017/2018. [3] Lower limbs wounds account for around 37% of wounds treated by the NHS. [4] This has contributed to a 48% increase in wound treatment costs, which now total an estimated £3.8 billion a year. [5]
Why have we joined the Legs Matter campaign?
This upward trend does not need to continue. Positive change is possible if patients, families, healthcare professionals and organisations collaborate to raise awareness about the prevention, assessment and management of lower limb conditions.
We want to play our part in changing this reality for patients and healthcare professionals alike. We are committed to using our platform and events to stand up for legs.
If you would like to keep up with our upcoming activities to support the campaign, please check our website or subscribe to our newsletter.
References:
- Legs Matter. Legs Matter’s Position on Harm. Available at: Legs Matter’s Position on Harm for Legs & Foot Conditions
- Guest JF, Fuller GW, Vowden P. Cohort Study Evaluating the Burden of Wounds to the UK’s National Health Service in 2017/2018: Update from 2012/2013.
- Ibid
- Ibid
- Ibid
