What Is a Tissue Viability Expert – and How Can They Help Your Case?

Tissue viability refers to the care and treatment of soft tissue wounds, including pressure sores, surgical wounds, and ulcers. Without the correct care from a tissue viability expert, a wound can quickly become infected, leading to serious complications. Prevention of pressure ulcers and education around wound care are also key responsibilities of a tissue viability specialist.

The importance of proper care

Pressure ulcers often occur when someone sits or lies in one position for too long. They’re particularly common among older adults, whose skin is more easily damaged. Ulcers can often be prevented by regularly changing position, using the correct mattress, checking the skin daily, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Poor training and low staffing levels in care settings can lead to high numbers of patients or residents developing pressure sores – which in turn can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening infections.

Wound care is just as important after surgery or injury. A wound must be cleaned and dressed to reduce the risk of infection and support faster recovery. If a wound is not properly cared for, infection can set in quickly.

“If a wound infection is not quickly and successfully treated, it may spread,” explains Patient.info. “The surrounding skin may become red and swollen and sore. The infection may spread to the deeper tissues beneath the skin… it may spread through the blood right through your system, making you feel unwell… and may develop into severe infection called sepsis.”

Pressure sores caused by improper care or clinical negligence

If left untreated, pressure ulcers can become extremely difficult to manage – especially for people who have limited mobility. In severe cases, damage can extend below the skin to muscles or bone.

“If you’re in a hospital or care home, your healthcare team should be aware of the risk of developing pressure ulcers,” explains the NHS. “They should carry out a risk assessment, monitor your skin, and use preventative measures such as regular repositioning.”

When basic prevention or treatment is missed, it may point to negligence – and this is where a tissue viability expert witness plays a vital role.

When would I need a tissue viability expert?

Any case involving a soft tissue wound, ulcer, or skin-related injury should involve a tissue viability expert witness. They can provide professional assessment, expert insight, and clearly written reports for court proceedings.

A tissue viability expert witness will:

• ›Assess the standards of wound care delivered
• ›Determine whether the care fell below acceptable clinical standards
• ›Establish whether that care (or lack of it) contributed to worsening symptoms or further injury
• ›Outline the recovery needs and timeline for the individual

These reports support fair outcomes in both claimant and defendant cases – and are valued for their clarity, clinical grounding, and impartiality.

How Tessa Gough Associates can help

Our expert witnesses are highly experienced in assessing tissue viability and wound care cases. Every report is balanced, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual. We understand the sensitivity of these cases – and ensure expert guidance and professionalism from first contact to final report.

If you’d like to speak to our team about instructing a tissue viability expert witness, get in touch at info@tessagough.co.uk or view all our expert witnesses.