TopClosure Tension Relief System for wound closure

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

No equality issues were identified relating to the TopClosure Tension Relief System, but it should not be used in people with fragile, sensitive or thin skin, which might include older people, children, and people with conditions that cause thin skin such as those needing long-term steroid treatment.