Debbie Ruff

Lead Nurse Vascular

I work as a Lead Vascular Nurse at Northern Care Alliance in Manchester. I have over 30 years experience in vascular nursing and the management of complex wounds.

Over the last 3 years I have also worked in private practice at Gold Standard Foot and Leg Clinic extending my scope of practice in lower limb MSK and extended skills in shockwave therapy and focussed magnetic therapy.

Vascular Assessment in Private Practice

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) primarily a manifestation of widespread atherosclerotic disease affects one fifth of individuals aged 60 and above. Studies show a significant majority of people with PAD (40-60%) are asymptomatic. A silent but serious disease! If left undiagnosed and not optimally managed , it can too often lead to avoidable heart attacks, strokes, early deaths and amputations.

Do you offer routine vascular assessment as part of your practice when undertaking nail care? Do you routinely undertake a lower limb arterial assessment prior to nail surgery in order to ensure safe an effective outcomes? Before you pick up your nail clippers and scalpel can we champion you to pick up your doppler first.

Clinically assessing and diagnosing PAD is a critical role that all podiatrists can perform, providing they have appropriate knowledge and skills in order to improve patient outcomes by undertaking a simple approach to vascular assessment using the 3Ps pulses, phases and pressures. Working in collaboration with GPs and vascular specialists by implementing best practice guidelines and referral pathways into our routine clinical practice.

During the conference there will also be opportunities for delegates to attend the Arjo Huntleigh stand to undertake a lower limb vascular assessment to update their clinical skills.