Wound Care Product Selection Guide for UK Clinics and Care Homes (2026)

Wound care is one of the most clinically nuanced areas of medical procurement. The wrong dressing can delay healing, cause trauma on removal, or increase infection risk. This guide helps procurement managers and clinical leads in UK care homes, GP practices, and private clinics select the right wound care products for their patient population.

Understanding Wound Types

Product selection should always start with wound assessment. The main wound categories encountered in care and clinical settings are:

  • Acute wounds — surgical wounds, lacerations, abrasions; typically heal in a predictable timeframe
  • Chronic wounds — pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers; require ongoing management
  • Infected wounds — require antimicrobial dressings and possible systemic antibiotics
  • Burns — require specialist dressings; refer to burns unit for anything beyond superficial

Core Wound Dressing Types

Non-Adherent Dressings

Designed to sit against the wound surface without sticking, minimising trauma on removal.

  • Best for: Superficial wounds, post-surgical wounds, fragile skin
  • Examples: Mepitel, Adaptic, paraffin gauze (Jelonet)

Foam Dressings

Highly absorbent, suitable for moderate to heavily exuding wounds. Maintain a moist wound environment.

  • Best for: Pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, cavity wounds
  • Change frequency: Every 2–7 days depending on exudate level

Hydrocolloid Dressings

Form a gel over the wound surface, maintaining moisture and promoting autolytic debridement.

  • Best for: Low to moderately exuding wounds, pressure ulcer prevention
  • Not suitable for: Infected wounds or heavily exuding wounds

Adhesive / Island Dressings

Standard wound dressings with an absorbent pad and adhesive border. Suitable for minor wounds and post-procedure care.

  • Best for: Minor cuts, abrasions, post-injection sites, low-exudate surgical wounds

Antimicrobial Dressings

Contain silver, iodine, or other antimicrobial agents. Used for infected or at-risk wounds.

  • Best for: Clinically infected wounds, wounds at high risk of infection
  • Note: Should be used for a defined period and reviewed regularly

Bandages

  • Cohesive bandages — self-adherent, no clips needed; good for securing dressings
  • Crepe bandages — light support and retention
  • Compression bandages — for venous leg ulcer management; requires trained application

Essential Wound Care Consumables

  • Sterile gauze swabs (woven and non-woven)
  • Wound irrigation syringes
  • Sterile wound packs (dressing pack with swabs, tray, and field)
  • Wound closure strips (Steri-Strips)
  • Skin staple removers
  • Sterile gloves for dressing changes
  • Disposable aprons

Procurement Tips for Wound Care

  • Standardise your formulary — agree on a core set of dressings that covers 80% of your wound types; reduces waste and training burden
  • Stock by wound type, not brand — focus on dressing category (foam, hydrocolloid, non-adherent) rather than specific brands to allow flexible sourcing
  • Review usage data quarterly — identify fast-moving lines and ensure adequate buffer stock
  • Train staff on dressing selection — incorrect dressing choice is a common and costly error

Browse Medvana Wound Care Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What wound dressings are most commonly used in UK care homes?

The most commonly used wound dressings in UK care homes include foam dressings for pressure ulcers, non-adherent dressings for superficial wounds and fragile skin, hydrocolloid dressings for low-exudate chronic wounds, and adhesive island dressings for minor wounds and post-procedure care. Antimicrobial dressings are used for infected or at-risk wounds under clinical guidance.

How do I choose between a foam and hydrocolloid dressing?

Foam dressings are better suited to moderate to heavily exuding wounds due to their high absorbency. Hydrocolloid dressings are more appropriate for low to moderately exuding wounds where maintaining a moist environment and promoting autolytic debridement is the goal. Hydrocolloids are not suitable for infected wounds or heavily exuding wounds.

How often should wound dressings be changed in a care home?

Dressing change frequency depends on the wound type and dressing used. Foam dressings may last 2–7 days; hydrocolloids 3–7 days; non-adherent dressings may need daily changes in heavily exuding wounds. Always follow the dressing manufacturer's guidance and the clinical assessment of the treating nurse or clinician.

Can I buy wound care products in bulk for a care home?

Yes. Medvana supplies wound care products in bulk to care homes, GP practices, and private clinics across the UK. Browse our wound care range online or contact us for volume pricing and trade account options.

Reviewed by: Medvana Procurement Team  |  Last updated: May 2026  |  Standards referenced: NICE Guideline NG19 (Pressure Ulcers), NICE Guideline CG179 (Leg Ulcers), NHS Wound Care Framework, CQC Fundamental Standards

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