Healing the intractable chronic wound demands skill, experience and an excellent knowledge base from the nurse. The theory of wound healing needs to be matched with the practical aspects of the patient’s care in terms of available treatments and the patient’s wishes. This article will review a case study where the principles of wound management were used by the nurses of Ward 5 to assess a patient and to select an appropriate dressing in order to promote an ideal wound healing environment, while still relieving the symptoms of the chronic wound and allowing the patient to have some input into her care.