Terms of reference of the Link Nurse Network

1.  The network is a forum for the dissemination of information and knowledge between the clinical areas and the tissue viability service.

2.  The link nurse undertakes to perform the agreed responsibilities relevant to their own area of practice.

3.  The link nurse undertakes to inform the tissue viability service if they are no longer able to be the link nurse for whatever reason.

Responsibilities

1.  Access tissue viability training programmes as negotiated with the tissue viability nurses. Must attend one update each year.

2.  Compile and update a tissue viability resource folder relevant to the clinical area.

3.  Ensure that there are up to date copies of the guidelines for The Prevention and Management of Pressure Sores and Wound Care in the clinical area.

4.  Perform a yearly audit of bed mattresses in the clinical area. Ensure that the mattresses are in good condition and that a turning programme is implemented.

5.  Ensure that the pressure sore incidence forms are completed each week and returned to the tissue viability nurses.

6.  Perform a six-monthly audit of the standard within the  guidelines for the prevention and management of pressure sores and return the audit form to the tissue viability nurses.

7.  Maintain regular contact with the tissue viability nurses by attending update days (at least one per year) and study days as necessary and by telephone or meetings if needed.

8.  The link nurse will be identified as the person responsible for these issues in their own clinical area.