Essex Partnership digital tool improves leg wound and ulcer care

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has introduced new digital technology to improve care for patients with leg ulcers and non-healing wounds.

The work of the trust’s southeast Essex Tissue Viability Service includes providing specialist assessment, advice and support for patients with lower limb vascular conditions such as leg ulcers.

To help with the assessments, the team are now using digital technology called BlueDop. The portable tool consists of a wireless Doppler probe that works with a tablet to assess the patient and provide clinicians with the information they need to plan the next steps in a patient’s care.

Holly May, leg ulcer nurse specialist at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The BlueDop kits are a big step forward in the treatment of patients with leg wounds and ulcers.

“It enables us to get a full picture of a patient’s blood circulation and any impairments quickly so we can provide effective treatment which means the patient can recover quicker.”

Previously, the leg wound assessments involved using ultrasound, which meant patients having to lie flat for up to 30 minutes and wear a tight cuff which could cause pain and anxiety.

The trust said the BlueDop kit, supplied by BlueDop Medical, enables a quicker assessment using a Doppler probe, which is more comfortable for patients and provides clinicians with more information to guide treatment.

May added: “As well as providing a quicker and more efficient way to treat patients, this innovative technology has reduced anxiety for some patients needing these assessments and made them more comfortable.

“It demonstrates the impact that digital technology is having on patient care. We are delighted at the amazing results we are seeing and the feedback we are getting from patients.”

Meanwhile, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust admitted earlier this year that a delay to its joint electronic patient record (EPR) programme was likely.

In February 2026, Digital Health News reported that the programme at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust was expected to be delayed.

The EPR system, called ‘Nova’, being supplied by Oracle Health, which will align physical and mental health care provision across the two trusts, was originally planned to go live in phases from winter 2026 until spring 2027.

In an Essex Partnership board paper, published on 4 February 2026, Zephan Trent, executive director of digital, transformation and strategy, said: “The Nova programme is progressing, but new risks – linked to system integration and programme complexity – are likely to delay the EPR go-live date.

“Oracle Health has confirmed no additional costs, though extra resourcing will be needed and is being reviewed with finance.”

The EPR is now scheduled to go live in 2027 as part of a phased approach, Trent confirmed to Digital Health News.