HEALTH bosses in Darlington have praised the success of a clinic that has made progress in the treatment of a painful condition.

Leg ulcers, which are caused by poor circulation, can take many months and sometimes years to heal.

But a clinic run by Darlington Primary Care Trust's district nurses has reported success in managing to improve patients' healing time - with many well on the way to a full recovery in ten to 12 weeks.

And it has proved so popular the trust may look at expanding the service.

The trust said leg ulcers can affect men and women of any age, who have lifestyle issues such as smoking, obesity and alcohol - all of which can affect circulation.

The clinics are held at the Salisbury Resource Centre, Greenbank Road, three times a week. There are also review and new patient assessment sessions.

Run by a district nursing sister, staff nurses and healthcare assistants, the clinics see about 40 people a week.

Patients are fully assessed on referral and have a doppler assessment, which uses ultrasound to highlight circulatory problems in the affected limb.

Treatment involves bandaging techniques of up to four layers. The compression encourages and improves circulation allowing the ulcers to heal.

The service takes referrals from GPs and practice nurses, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment.

District nursing sister Lynda Ramsay said: "Patients think the service is wonderful. Some find it difficult to travel to so we are looking at alternative venues to meet patient need.

"The patients get continuity of care and enjoy seeing the same faces. This also helps us as we can see a difference in their conditions from week to week. The healing rates are really effective."

The trust's nurse development facilitator, Win Suggett, is currently analysing the service and assessing nursing behaviour.

The research involves patients, carers and staff and the results of the assessment will influence future development of the clinic.