Hayley: We know that more than 420,000 Australians suffer a chronic wound every year – almost as many who suffer with dementia, yet dementia is much better funded and publicised. This results in almost 200,000 unnecessary emergency department visits annually, by people whose wounds could have been prevented or treated by wound care clinicians in the community, at a time when our hospitals are already overstretched. Chronic wounds cost our health and aged care systems a massive $3 billion. The worst of it is, these are all avoidable problems.

Hayley: The solution isn’t easy but it is achievable: the implementation of a national wound care framework that includes MBS itemisation for wound care treatment and products, specialist wound care training for healthcare professionals, increased funding and involvement of the peak body – Wounds Australia – at the highest levels. Our 11 Point Plan, which we presented to the Federal Government in 2021, provides a helpful roadmap.

Hayley: Chronic wounds really is Australia’s hidden epidemic, so the primary aim of Wound Awareness Week is always to shine a spotlight on chronic wounds. This year, we hope to take the conversation even further by introducing the Big Oozie Bake Off – an opportunity to come together to explore the topic (while enjoying an oozy treat!) that has been missing in previous years. We’re asking people to share their photos on social media with the #woundaware hashtag to extend the reach even further. We have wound care patients and their families, healthcare professionals, universities, and MPs and Senators organising and attending these morning teas so it’s really about involving everybody with a stake in chronic wound care – from sufferers to policymakers – in the conversation, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.