Device is bringing new hope

Therapy is light at end of tunnel for ulcer sufferer

Pioneering light therapy used on a trial basis at a specialist care home in Forth Valley is to become a permanent treatment at the home for a range of conditions, including pressure ulcers.

The Bioptron 2 device will assist patients at Marchglen Care Centre, near Fishcross, where it has been used to help long term resident Andrew Clark, a retired charge nurse who worked at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

NHS Forth Valley specialist in neurological rehabilitation Dr Henry Prempeh, a visiting consultant, said Mr Clark had a persistent ulcer for more than a year but within three months of light therapy it was almost completely healed.

He added: “Many people in Marchglen spend much of their lives in bed, leaving them particularly vulnerable to ulcers.

“These can be very debilitating as well as significantly increasing the cost of their care. This new technique has been proved to work in reducing the healing time.”

The therapy system emits light similar to that part of the electromagnetic system produced naturally by the sun but with no UV radiation.

It can be used as a complementary therapy for wound healing, including burns, leg ulcers and pressure injuries, as part of physiotherapy treatment, for skin conditions and can also help people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Marchglen Care Centre is part of Caring Home Group and looks after people from across Scotland living with acquired brain injuries, those seeking treatment for neurological conditions and people exhibiting signs of challenging behaviour.

The home also provides support for people living with Huntington’s Disease, Melas Syndrome and other physically debilitating conditions.