The Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS) promises to offer financial relief to around 20,000 Australians living with chronic wounds.

As the country’s peak body for chronic wound care, this is an outcome Wounds Australia has long advocated for.

We know that 450,000 people each year live with chronic wounds, spending on average $4000 in out-of-pocket costs to cover the dressings, adhesives and other consumables required to manage their wound.

Those most likely to experience chronic wounds are usually the people who can least afford them — ageing Australians and people with comorbidities that may impact their ability to work.