Jackie Stephen-Haynes

Wound care and tissue viability continue to evolve at a remarkable pace. Increasing patient complexity, workforce pressures, antimicrobial resistance, and growing expectations for evidence-based practice have created both challenges and opportunities for clinicians.

As we move into 2026, tissue viability and wound care are at a critical crossroads. Despite repeated national initiatives and a growing evidence base, variation in outcomes remains unacceptably extensive and obstinate. Leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulceration collectively represent one of the most significant yet persistently under-addressed causes of harm, inequality and avoidable cost across both health and social care.