Two hundred health personnel selected from the northern sector of the country on Thursday attended a day's seminar on Wound Care and Management in Kumasi.
Organized by Association for Advancement of Wounds Care from the USA and sponsored by Ghana Health Service in collaboration with World Health Organization and Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative was to equip them in the management and care of various wounds.
Some of the topics treated included principles of modern wound care, wound care practices and techniques, wound principles for venous, diabetic ulcers and modern wound dressing.
Dr Samuel Etualful, former Medical Superintendent of Saint Martin's Hospital at Agroyesum in Amansie West District, expressed concern about the increase in wound cases at various clinics, health centres and hospitals in the country.
He said the seminar was to enlighten them to know the basic principles in the management and care of various wounds to help improve health care delivery in the country.
Dr Etualful noted that most chronic wounds could be attributed to late reporting of such cases at health centres and hospitals and urged patients to ensure that such cases were reported early for treatment.
He explained that this would avoid complications like surgeries and amputations which might result due to delays in reporting such cases.
Dr Etualful advised them to abide by WHO recommendation in using antibiotics in the treatment of wounds and stressed the need for them to be more familiar with the five principles of wound care.
These are enhancing systemic conditions, protecting the wound from trauma, promoting a clean wound base to prevent infection and maintenance of moist environment.
Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), said the strategic position of the hospital necessitated more referral cases including wounds that had been reported daily at the hospital.
He advised the participants to take the seminar serious and use their experiences and expertise to improve the management and care of wounds in their areas.
The team from Association for Advancement of Wounds Care, is led by Dr M. Macdonald, General and Thoracic Surgeon, University of Pittsburg Medical Centre, USA.