The two tissue viability nurses at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust had responsibility for over 2000 acute beds and needed a way to disseminate knowledge to clinical staff to improve referral appropriateness. A new link nurse system was adopted in order to empower link nurses, and ultimately, their colleagues. The Trust now has over 70 active link nurses whose competency in tissue viability is closely monitored, and whose teaching is tailored to meet individual need. The link nurse study days have been validated by Northumbria University and link nurses can now gain accreditation for their role.
