Bandages & Dressings: A Complete Guide for Care Homes & GP Surgeries (2026)

Effective wound management depends on selecting the right bandage or dressing for the wound type, exudate level, and patient condition. With hundreds of products available, procurement teams and clinical leads in UK care homes and GP surgeries need clear guidance to make confident purchasing decisions. This guide covers the main categories and how to choose between them.

Types of Bandages

• Open-weave (Type 1) bandages: Lightweight, non-extensible bandages used for retention of dressings on low-exudate wounds. Not suitable for compression.
• Crepe bandages: Extensible bandages providing light support — commonly used for sprains, strains, and joint support. Also used as a secondary layer in wound management.
• Cohesive bandages: Self-adherent bandages that stick to themselves but not to skin or hair — ideal for securing dressings without tape, and for patients with sensitive or fragile skin.
• Compression bandages: Provide graduated compression for the management of venous leg ulcers and lymphoedema. Must be applied by trained clinicians following ABPI assessment. Available as short-stretch, long-stretch, and multi-layer systems.
• Tubular bandages: Seamless, elasticated tubes used for limb support, dressing retention, and pressure garments. Available in a range of sizes for fingers, limbs, and trunk.
• Triangular bandages: Versatile bandages used for slings, improvised splints, and first aid. A staple of any first aid kit.

Types of Wound Dressings

• Non-adherent dressings: Low-adherence primary dressings for clean, low-exudate wounds. Minimise trauma on removal — suitable for post-operative wounds, skin grafts, and superficial injuries.
• Absorbent dressings (island dressings): Central absorbent pad with adhesive border — suitable for wounds with light to moderate exudate.
• Foam dressings: Highly absorbent, suitable for moderate to heavily exuding wounds. Available with or without adhesive borders. Maintain a moist wound environment to promote healing.
• Hydrocolloid dressings: Form a gel on contact with wound exudate, maintaining a moist environment. Suitable for low to moderately exuding wounds, pressure ulcers, and leg ulcers. Can be left in place for several days.
• Alginate dressings: Derived from seaweed, highly absorbent — suitable for heavily exuding wounds and cavity wounds. Require a secondary dressing.
• Antimicrobial dressings: Contain silver, iodine, or PHMB to manage wound bioburden in infected or at-risk wounds. Use in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship principles.
• Silicone dressings: Soft silicone contact layer minimises trauma and pain on removal — ideal for fragile skin, painful wounds, and patients requiring frequent dressing changes.

Choosing the Right Dressing by Wound Type

• Dry, low-exudate wound: Non-adherent primary dressing + retention bandage or island dressing
• Moderate exudate: Foam or island dressing with absorbent pad
• Heavy exudate: Alginate or high-absorbency foam dressing
• Infected wound: Antimicrobial dressing (silver or iodine) — review at each dressing change
• Cavity wound: Alginate rope or foam cavity dressing
• Fragile/sensitive skin: Silicone-bordered dressing or soft silicone contact layer
• Venous leg ulcer: Appropriate primary dressing + compression bandage system (following ABPI assessment)
• Pressure ulcer: Foam or hydrocolloid dressing depending on exudate level; offloading essential

Key Considerations for Care Homes & GP Surgeries

• Formulary alignment: Where possible, align your dressing stock with your local NHS formulary to support continuity of care for patients moving between settings.
• Staff training: Ensure all staff applying compression bandages have completed appropriate training and competency assessment.
• Stock rotation: Dressings have shelf lives — implement FIFO (first in, first out) stock rotation and check expiry dates regularly.
• Latex-free: Always use latex-free products to protect patients and staff with latex sensitivities.
• UKCA/CE marking: All wound dressings and bandages are regulated as medical devices. Verify compliance before purchasing.

Top Bandage & Dressing Products at Medvana

Medvana stocks an extensive range of bandages and wound dressings for hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, and private clinics across the UK — including crepe bandages, cohesive bandages, compression systems, foam dressings, hydrocolloids, alginates, and antimicrobial dressings from leading brands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most commonly used bandage in UK care homes?
Crepe and cohesive bandages are the most widely used in care home settings for dressing retention and light support. Compression bandages are used for leg ulcer management but must only be applied by trained staff following ABPI assessment.

How often should wound dressings be changed?
Dressing change frequency depends on wound type, exudate level, and the specific product. Many modern dressings (foam, hydrocolloid) can remain in place for 3–7 days. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your local wound care protocol.

Can I use any dressing on a venous leg ulcer?
The primary dressing choice depends on exudate level and wound condition. Compression therapy is the cornerstone of venous leg ulcer management and must be applied following Doppler ABPI assessment by a trained clinician.

Do you supply wound care products in bulk?
Yes — Medvana offers bulk purchasing for healthcare settings. Browse our range or contact us for a quote.

Shop Bandages & Dressings at Medvana

Fast UK delivery on all bandages and wound dressings. Competitive pricing for hospitals, clinics, care homes, and GP surgeries.

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