A medical consultancy with a worldwide reputation for wound care has been set up by two Sussex nurses.

Fiona Collins and Sylvie Hampton were already leading authorities on the subject before they pooled their talents and started the business.

Fiona was a senior lecturer with Brighton University and, as an occupational therapist, is a world authority in pressure ulcer and bed sore prevention.

Sylvie was nurse specialist with Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trust where, during a four-year period, she developed an expertise in wound healing and pressure ulcer prevention.

Sylvie said: "Tissue viability means keeping the tissues alive. It covers both, healing of wounds and prevention of wounds."

Sylvie and Fiona formed a symbiotic relationship in research with Fiona providing the academic background and Sylvie providing the clinical base.

Their collaboration led to the development of pressure-relieving mattresses and specialist equipment in wound care, which drastically reduced the incidence of hospital-acquired bed sores.

Sylvie said: "There appeared to be an opportunity to offer the same service in research, wound healing and wound prevention as an independent service, so we formed Tissue Viability Consultancy Services.

"This service is unique and becoming well known with specialists and companies around the world. Many are inviting us to evaluate their products, to give advice and to offer education to nurses in their local areas."

Sylvie and Fiona are also invited to lecture at wound care conferences in Italy, Bulgaria, South Africa and the UK.

Healthcare specialists from Australia, South Africa, Ireland and Bulgaria regularly consult with TVCS by telephone and email.

Between them, they have published more than 60 articles in the nursing press and have written a book, due to be published in the new year.

TVCS's latest venture is to offer education to people who are at risk of developing wounds, including diabetics, people who are unable to change their position regularly, and those with swollen ankles, at risk of developing ulcers.

Eventually, they hope to offer a service for people with wounds that are not healing.

Sylvie and Fiona can be contacted on 01323 735588.