Diabetes can lead to serious foot problems. Without early treatment, even small wounds may become infected and increase the risk of amputation. Our Diabetic Foot Programme provides holistic, team-based care to help you manage these risks and support healing. We offer both outpatient and inpatient services. 

LEAPP Clinic (Outpatient Care)

Our Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention Programme (LEAPP) clinic is the first point of care for diabetic foot ulcers. A multidisciplinary team — including doctors, nurses, podiatrists and therapists — works together to assess your condition, begin timely treatment, and help prevent hospitalisation.

Inpatient Multidisciplinary Care

If you are admitted with a serious foot ulcer or infection, our wound and vascular specialists will coordinate bedside care with endocrinologists, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. This integrated approach ensures timely assessment, necessary investigations and surgical interventions, and supports recovery planning.

We also offer guidance on blood glucose control, foot care and lifestyle changes to support your long-term health.

Fast Facts

• 1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in their lifetime.
• 1 in 3 patients with a DFU may die within 5 years — a risk comparable to some cancers.
• 1 in 3 patients seek help late, often presenting with moderate to severe ulcers that carry a major amputation risk of over 25% within a year.
• With our multidisciplinary care model, major amputation rates have fallen to below 5%.
• Even with treatment, healing may take several months.
• Recurrence is common — up to 40% of patients experience another DFU within a year of healing.

Your feet matter. Let us support you in taking the next step — safely.

Vein conditions can go beyond appearance — they may cause discomfort, swelling, skin changes, and slow-healing wounds.

At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we manage a range of vein-related conditions using diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments.

We care for patients with:

• Varicose veins – enlarged, twisted veins that may cause leg heaviness, pain or swelling
• Chronic venous insufficiency – reduced blood flow in the legs, which can lead to skin changes or ulcers
• Venous leg ulcers – wounds, often near the ankle, that heal slowly due to poor circulation
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in the deep veins of the leg that require timely treatment
• Post-thrombotic syndrome – ongoing leg swelling, pain and skin changes after a DVT

Diagnosis and Personalised Treatment Planning

Your care begins with an assessment at our Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory, where we use non-invasive ultrasound scans to assess blood flow and vein health.

These findings guide us in tailoring your treatment plan.Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or cyanoacrylate glue for varicose veins
• Compression therapy for venous ulcers and leg swelling
• Specialised wound care for chronic or slow-healing wounds

Healing Venous Leg Ulcers with Wound Care Nurses

Venous leg ulcers can take weeks or months to heal. Our wound care nurses are trained in managing these wounds using 4-layer compression bandaging, which is the recommended approach to promote healing.

You’ll receive:

• Regular wound assessments and dressing changes
• A care plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle
• Advice on skin care, mobility and ulcer prevention
• Ongoing support after healing to reduce recurrence

With appropriate care, most venous leg ulcers can heal well and remain closed.

Advanced Treatment for Vein Blockages

Some patients experience long-term issues after a DVT, particularly in the iliac or femoral veins. This may lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, with persistent swelling, discomfort and skin damage.

We offer iliac vein stenting, a minimally invasive procedure to open up blocked veins and restore blood flow. This can help relieve symptoms, support wound healing and prevent further complications.

If you have had a DVT or are experiencing post-thrombotic symptoms, our team can assess if this procedure is suitable for you.

Some wounds take longer to heal — especially in people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or limited mobility. These are known as chronic wounds and require specialised care to prevent complications.

We manage patients with:

• Pressure injuries (bedsores) – skin and tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure, often affecting those who are bedbound or use wheelchairs
• Surgical site infections – wounds that heal slowly or become infected after surgery
• Non-healing wounds – wounds that persist beyond four weeks despite treatment

Why Chronic Wounds Need Specialised Care

Unlike typical cuts, chronic wounds may result from poor blood flow, infection, or continuous pressure on the skin. If left untreated, they can lead to serious infections, hospitalisation, or even amputation.

Our team-based approach brings together doctors, wound nurses and allied health professionals to provide comprehensive support during your recovery.

Treatments we offer include:

• Regular wound cleaning and advanced dressings
• Pressure relief methods such as specialised mattresses and repositioning techniques
• Nutritional advice to promote healing
• Offloading strategies to protect vulnerable areas like heels, buttocks and surgical scars
• Monitoring for early signs of infection or worsening conditions

Supporting Your Healing Journey

Our goal is to promote faster healing, relieve pain, and help you regain your daily activities. Whether your wound is from surgery, injury, or a chronic condition, we offer personalised and compassionate care throughout your healing journey.

For patients with end-stage kidney failure, having reliable access to the bloodstream is essential for effective haemodialysis. At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we support you in planning, creating, and maintaining your dialysis access to ensure safe and efficient treatment.

What is Dialysis Access?

Before starting haemodialysis, a connection between an artery and a vein—usually in the arm—is created to allow blood to flow through the dialysis machine. The most common type is an arterio-venous fistula (AVF), which typically provides strong and long-lasting access.

Planning and Creating Your Access

We work closely with Renal Physicians to plan and surgically create your dialysis access early, ideally before you need dialysis. Early planning helps reduce delays and lowers the risk of emergency catheter use.

Our services include:

• Early AVF planning and surgical creation
• Ultrasound vein mapping and access assessment at our Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory

Maintaining Your Access

Ongoing care and monitoring are crucial to keep your AVF functioning well. Our team provides:

• Regular monitoring and evaluation
• Minimally invasive procedures to clear blockages or improve blood flow
• Prompt management of any complications

Supporting Your Lifeline

Your dialysis access is vital to your treatment. Our coordinated care approach helps you start dialysis with confidence and maintain your access for years to come.

Some of the most serious vascular problems happen silently — until it’s too late. At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we help detect and treat aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease early, before they become life-threatening. We also support spine surgeries that require precise vascular exposure techniques.

Aortic Aneurysms – A Silent Risk

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the body’s largest artery. If it enlarges excessively, it may rupture, causing severe bleeding and potentially fatal outcomes. Most aneurysms have no symptoms and are typically detected through screening or imaging.

Our services include:

• Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)
• CT scans to evaluate aneurysm size and risk
• Minimally invasive repair (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair, EVAR) and open aortic surgery for eligible patients
• Regular monitoring to track aneurysm growth

Carotid Artery Disease – Preventing Stroke

The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Narrowing of these arteries, known as carotid stenosis, can increase stroke risk. Early evaluation is especially important for individuals with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke symptoms.

We provide:

• Carotid ultrasound scans to assess narrowing
• Surgical or stenting procedures to restore blood flow when indicated
• Medical therapy and lifestyle advice to reduce stroke risk

Spinal Exposure – Vascular Support for Spine Surgery

For some spinal procedures, surgeons need to reach the front of the spine safely. Our vascular surgeons work closely with orthopaedic and neurosurgeons to provide precise surgical exposure of large blood vessels.

This is critical for operations such as:

• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
• Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF)

With expert vascular support, spine surgeries can be performed more safely and efficiently.

Your Arteries Matter

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If you have a family history, high blood pressure, or other risk factors, our team is here to guide you through safe, accurate testing and timely treatment.

Advancing Care Through Research and Innovation

At the Wound and Vascular Centre, research is integrated into clinical care. The team conducts clinical studies aimed at improving wound healing, limb preservation, and patient outcomes. To date, the centre has received over S$8 million in competitive research grants and published more than 65 papers in international journals. Key research areas include diabetic limb salvage, wound healing, health services research, and the application of artificial intelligence in chronic wound care.

Some of our key initiatives include:

• DEFINITE Care
  

  A landmark population-based programme reducing major amputations through coordinated diabetic foot care across primary and tertiary settings within NHG Health.



• AI in Wound Imaging
  

  We are building explainable AI tools that can analyse wound images, track healing, and support decision-making in clinics and community care.



• Chronic Wound Healing Trials
  

  We are running clinical studies on innovative wound therapies, including cell-based gels and digital patient activation platforms. The trials are in collaboration with NHG Health’s Wounds iCare Collaborative (WiCC) Clinical and Research Workgroup, with the associated Wounds Clinical Trial Network.



• Socioeconomic Health Equity
  

  We study how social determinants—like housing and income—affect diabetic foot outcomes in Singapore, driving more inclusive care models.

We also collaborate with leading academic institutions, industry partners, and AI developers to shape the future of wound care. Patients at our centre may be invited to participate in research that helps others like them.

By combining research, technology, and compassionate care, we aim to set new standards in wound and vascular care—not just in Singapore, but globally.

Awards

• 2022: National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medal (Care Redesign)


• 2024: NHG Innovation Award (Gold)

Current Research Partners

• NHG Health, NHG Polycinics, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital


• Nanyang Technological University


• National University of Singapore


• Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine


• NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health


• A*STAR Skin Research Labs


• A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering


• National Heart Centre Singapore


• Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering


• Nanyang Polytechnic


• Industry: AITIS, Pingoo, eKare, Tetsuyu, Octivio, Celligenics, QBiotics Group, Smith & Nephew, Solventum, Molnlycke, Urgo, Schulke, Cuprina

Research Grants

2017

• Principal Investigator “Toe pressure evaluation of endovascular revascularization adequacy (TOEE) study”

2018

• Principal Investigator “Biochemical and Microbial Analysis of the Wound Environment” - collaboration with Nanyang Technological University Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Institute of Medical Biology, on A*STAR Biomedical Research Council funding


• Co-Investigator “The Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Phase 2A: SRIS@ Novena” - collaboration with A*STAR, Skin Research Institute of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University with S$182,700 funding to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (H17/01/a/0/004)

2019

• Principal Investigator “Clinical Validation and Development of WoundAide” - collaboration with A*STAR Skin Research Institute of Singapore and Konica-Minolta


• Principal Investigator “Clinical Validation of C4W Imaging System” - collaboration with Tetsuyu


• Site Principal Investigator “Wound Care Innovations in Tropics National Wound Registry” - collaboration with A*STAR Skin Research Institute of Singapore


• Co-Investigator “Economic burden and clinical outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers in Singapore: a retrospective cohort study” and “Cost-effectiveness analysis of VAC therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in Singapore” - collaboration with NTU-LKC Health Services Outcomes Research under Wound Care Innovations in Tropics and Acelity


• Collaborator “Diabetic foot ulcers: lifelong cost, risk prediction, cost effective screening and management in Singapore” - collaborator with NHG Health Services Outcome Research (HSOR) unit Dr Sun Yan with NMRC HSR grant


• Collaborator “Preventing limb losses in Singapore through health literacy and healthcare improvements” - collaborator with NTU-LKC Centre for Population Health Sciences Assoc Prof Josip Car with NMRC grant

2020:

• Principal Investigator “Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention Program (LEAPP) Collaboration” - collaboration with A*STAR Skin Research Institute of Singapore


• Principal Investigator “Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a sequential treatment protocol in the management of venous or mixed leg ulcers: a multi-layer compression therapy (Urgo K2) in addition to an antibmicrobial dressing (UrgoCleanAg) followed by an interactive dressing (UrgoStart)” - collaboration with Urgo Medical


• Principal Investigator “Diabetic Foot in Primary and Tertiary (DEFINITE) Care” - collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, NHG Polyclinics with NHG Population Health Grant


• Co-Investigator “The Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Phase 2B: SRIS@ Novena” - collaboration with A*STAR, Skin Research Institute of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University


• Co-Investigator “Pre-operative Exercise Therapy to increase blood vessel diameter and maturation in patients undergoing radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula creation (PET-AVF study)”


• Co-Investigator “Clinical Validation of a Smartphone application for Automated Wound Measurement in clinical settings”


• Co-Investigator “Automating hospital cubicle curtains to reduce environmental contamination on high touch surfaces”


• Co-Investigator “Use of smart phone application or telecollaboration platform to digitalise monitoring of access flow and to prompt intervention for dialysis access patients”
• Principal Investigator “Pilot study on efficacy of patient-owned wound surveillance system for diabetic foot ulcer care (ePOWS)” – collaboration with eKare with matched funding from SRIS Skin Innovation Grant

2021:

• Principal Investigator “Evaluating and Decreasing the Socio-Economical Burden of Wound Care in Singapore through Health Systems Innovations and Health Literacy” - National Research Medical Council (NMRC) Research Training Fellowship (RTF)


• Principal Investigator “Clinical Validation of Artificial Intelligence Image Analysis on Asian Wound Images” - collaboration with AITI Solutions


• Principal Investigator “Development of Heel Protector Prototype" - collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Armstrong Industries

2022

• Co-Investigator “Non-woven tissue regenerative dressings for chronic wound management” – collaboration with A*STAR IMRE with Health & Medtech Horizontal Technology Programme Office Seed Fund for Biomedical Engineering Programme


• Site Principal Investigator “Reducing Diabetic Macrovascular Complications due to Peripheral Arterial Disease – REDUCE-PAD” – collaboration with National Heart Centre Singapore


• Principal Investigator “Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) in patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers.”
• Co-Investigator “Anti-Blur Coating lens in laparoscopic camera system – ABC lens” - collaboration with NTU School of Material Science and Engineering


• Co-Investigator “Protecting feet at risk in people with diabetes (PREFERD)” - collaboration with NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

2023

• Co-Investigator “Hurri-Port – anti-blur laparoscopic camera port device” - collaboration wtih Trendlines Medical Singapore with NHG CMTi and NHIC joint MedTech Grant


• Principal Investigator “Developing a Smartphone-based Automated Diabetic Foot Screening Solution (Project eDFS)” with NHG CMTi Medtech Grant


• Principal Investigator “Diabetic Foot in Primary and Tertiary (DEFINITE) Upstream" - collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, NHG Polyclinics with NHG Enhanced Population Health Fund


• Co-investigator “Generation of complex 3D in-vitro human skin models to study chronic wounds” - collaboration with Skin Research Institute of Singapore with SRIS Joint Research Grant

2024

• Principal Investigator “Diabetic Foot in Primary and Tertiary (DEFINITE) Extend" - collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, NHG Polyclinics with NHG Enhanced Population Health Fund


• Principal Investigator “Co-development of an automated wound healing report for use at Woodlands Hospital” - collaboration with AITI Solutions


• Principal Investigator “Secondary AI training and validation of Foot at Risk app for diabetic foot deformities (callus, hammer toes, hallux valgus)” - collaboration with Tetsuyu

2025

• Principal Investigator “DEFIN3E (Diabetic Foot in Engaging, Educating, Empowering) Community Care” - National Research Medical Council (NMRC) HPHSR Clinician Scientist Award


• Co-investigator “Non-invasive POC system for biochemical sensing of microbial biofilms” – collaboration with Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering with A*STAR MTC Programmatic MedTech Thematic Grant


• Co-investigator “Probing Polyamines: Advancing Raman/SERS Spectroscopy for Precision Skin Health Monitoring” - collaboration with Skin Research Institute of Singapore with SRIS Joint Research Grant

1. What is the Wound and Vascular Centre?

Located on Level 3 of the Medical Centre at Woodlands Hospital, the Wound and Vascular Centre is a one-stop multidisciplinary clinic for patients with wounds and blood vessel (vascular) conditions. Our team includes surgeons, wound care nurses, podiatrists, therapists, and medical specialists such as diabetes doctors, working together to provide coordinated, patient-centred care.

We manage a range of conditions including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, varicose veins, and vascular blockages. The centre offers advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive treatments, and tailored wound care to support faster healing, reduce complications, and enhance quality of life.

Our integrated approach also emphasises early detection, prevention, and ongoing research to improve outcomes in wound and vascular care.

2. What services are offered here?

The Wound and Vascular Centre offers a comprehensive range of services for the management of vascular conditions and complex wounds, including:

• Diabetic Foot Programme
• outpatient LEAPP clinics and inpatient care focused on preventing amputations


• Venous Care
• treatment for conditions such as varicose veins, leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis, and venous leg ulcers


• Wound Management
• care for chronic wounds including pressure injuries, surgical site infections, and non-healing ulcers


• Dialysis Access Services
• early creation and long-term management of arteriovenous fistulas for patients on dialysis


• Aortic and Carotid Care
• screening and treatment for aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease to lower the risk of rupture and stroke


• Vascular Diagnostics
• ultrasound and other imaging tests to assess blood flow and guide treatment planning

We also conduct clinical research and innovation to improve healing outcomes for our patients.

3. What type of patients do we see?

We care for patients with wounds, vascular conditions, or both.

This includes:

• Individuals with diabetic foot ulcers, infections, or slow-healing wounds
• Patients with leg swelling, varicose veins, or venous leg ulcers
• Those with blocked arteries in the legs (peripheral artery disease) or at risk of amputation
• Patients who require vascular access for dialysis
• Individuals with aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

We also support patients recovering from surgery with wound care, as well as those at risk of developing chronic wounds.

4. What are some future plans the public can look forward to?

At the Wound and Vascular Centre, we are working to advance care through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• New evidence-based treatments to support better healing and reduce complications
• AI-powered tools and mobile apps to help patients manage wound care at home
• Closer partnerships with polyclinics and community providers for early intervention and follow-up
• Ongoing research, supported by over S$4 million in grant funding to date
• Educational and outreach programmes to equip patients and caregivers with practical knowledge

Our focus remains on helping patients heal faster, stay well, and prevent serious complications such as limb loss.

5. How do I schedule an appointment?

To visit the Wound and Vascular Centre, you will need a referral.

We accept referrals from:

• Woodlands Hospital Emergency Department
• Woodlands Hospital inpatient wards and outpatient clinics
• All polyclinics and General Practitioners (GPs)

If you have a referral memo from your General Practitioner (GP), you can book an appointment with us through our Contact Centre. 

If you have general enquiries, you can call us at 6363 3000. For appointments, please email wh.appt@nhghealth.com.sg or call 6363 8000.

For enquiries about the Wound and Vascular Centre, please email wh.wounds@nhghealth.com.sg.