Mehiläinen Helsinki Töölö · general practice appointment
Fresh wounds are best assessed without unnecessary delay.
A fresh wound should be assessed early, because the window for safe closure is not endless. First, however, the question is whether the wound can be closed safely at all. In clinic, I assess the wound’s location, depth, contamination, bleeding, possible foreign body, suspected nerve or tendon injury, tetanus protection and aftercare.
Allow enough time: if you hope the procedure can be performed during the same visit, it is often sensible to book two consecutive appointments. The decision to proceed is always made after assessment.
Price: examinations, supplies and a minor-procedure facility fee may be charged in addition to the consultation. See Mehiläinen’s price list; the exact estimate depends on the findings and procedure performed.
Available appointments and booking are handled in Mehiläinen’s appointment service.
Care route
When should I book, call 116117 or call 112?
Book an appointment if
- a fresh wound needs assessment for cleaning, closure, tetanus protection and aftercare
- bleeding is controlled and there is no numbness or movement deficit
- the wound is small or moderate and general condition is good
Call 116117 if
- the wound is a bite, or is on the hand, face, joint or genital area
- the wound is deep, dirty, crushed, contains a foreign body or bleeding does not stop properly
- there is numbness, movement deficit or suspected tendon, nerve, vessel or open fracture injury
Call 112 if
- there is chest pain, severe shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another emergency
- general condition deteriorates rapidly or the person cannot stay awake
- bleeding, pain or injury feels immediately life-threatening or function-threatening
This is not an emergency department. At the appointment the aim is to examine the situation and decide the next sensible step: self-care, medication, a minor procedure, tests or referral.
Booking
When is this the right appointment?
- a fresh cut, laceration or tear
- a wound with gaping edges or uncertain cleanliness
- a wound where sutures, glue, strips or another approach need to be considered
- aftercare instructions, dressing and follow-up planning when needed
- 112 Finland: when to call the emergency number
- Medical Helpline 116117
During the visit
What is assessed during the visit?
- whether the wound can be managed in clinic or needs emergency care
- whether suturing, cleaning, local anaesthesia or another procedure is needed
- infection risk and antibiotics only when justified
- aftercare, timing of suture removal and warning signs
Aim
Purpose of the appointment
The key decision is whether the wound needs closure and whether it can be treated safely in clinic. A dirty or deep wound is not just a gap in the skin; it can also be a route for bacteria, a foreign body or tendon and nerve injury. The visit also covers cleaning, dressing, tetanus considerations, suture removal and signs that should prompt reassessment.
Booking details
What is useful to mention about a wound?
- when the wound happened and how it occurred
- where it is, whether it is still bleeding and whether the edges are apart
- whether it was a bite, dirty injury, glass, metal or another possible foreign body
- whether you use blood-thinning medication and when your tetanus protection was last updated, if you know
Hand wounds, facial wounds, bite wounds and possible tendon or nerve injuries have a lower threshold for referral.
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