Australian wounds expert, Professor Keryln Carville, has been recognised on the international stage with a prestigious accolade at the recent World Union of Wound Healing Societies 2022.
As aged care group Silver Chain’s Primary Health Care and Community Nursing leader, Professor Carville was one of nine wound experts worldwide to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for dedication to serving those with wounds and those who care for them.
More than 400,000 Australians suffer chronic wounds each year, costing each patient over $4,000 in out-of-pocket costs and the health system an estimated $3 billion.
Wounds can have an enormous impact on a patient’s quality of life and sense of wellbeing, impacting daily tasks and causing much pain and discomfort.
Held every four years and incorporating the peak bodies of multiple countries, Professor Carville described the World Union of Wound Healing Societies conference in Abu Dhabi as the ‘wound olympics’.
“I am amazed and honoured to be recognised by international peers. It is humbling to think you are given an award for something you enjoy so much and is part of your life’s work,” Professor Carville said.
“We live in a time when there has been more science generated around wound healing than any other time. With this great privilege comes great responsibility to ensure our practices are underpinned by the latest scientific evidence available, as best practice contributes to best outcomes.”
“This work isn’t possible without our team of expert nurses at Silver Chain. I am part of a team which is committed to best outcomes.”
Silver Chain CEO, Dale Fisher said Silver Chain nurses managed 53,000 wounds for almost 23,000 Australians each year, and many were following Professor Carville’s lead in undertaking translational research for their communities.
“For more than 125 years, Silver Chain nurses have been pioneers and innovators, and we are continuing to invest in wound care research and best practice,” Ms Fisher said.
“This acknowledgement of Professor Carville’s commitment to wound care reflects her vital leadership in this sector. It sets a high standard for our continued investment in the development of future wound care research leaders, with several of our employees undertaking PhD studies in the field.”
WA Health Translation Network (WAHTN) Executive Director Gary Geelhoed praised Professor Carville’s dedication to wound care.
“The WAHTN, as part of the Australian Health Research Alliance, has been working in the area of wound care, which has involved updating Australian wound care standards and conducting ground-breaking surveys of wounds in various settings in WA,” Professor Geelhoed said.
“This would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of Professor Keryln Carville whose knowledge, passion and expertise in this important health area based on decades of experience has been invaluable.”
With a nursing career spanning more than five decades, Professor Carville has long been recognised for her dedication to wound care.
Professor Carville leads Silver Chain Group’s delivery of expert clinical practice in wound and ostomy care, the coordination and teaching of a multidisciplinary Wound Management Master Class Program, and clinical research in wound management and stomal therapy.
She is also the author of the Wound Care Manual, a key educational resource in many countries that promotes the world’s best practice in the assessment, treatment, and management of wounds. Professor Carville has previously won an inaugural WA Health Lifetime Achievement Award for Nursing and a WA Nursing & Midwifery Excellence Award.
Silver Chain Group is a leading in-home care specialist, providing health and aged care services to 105,000 clients a year in WA, SA, Victoria, Queensland and NSW.
