PIONEERING light therapy will become a permanent treatment following trials at a Clacks care home.

The Bioptron 2 device will assist patients with a range of conditions at Marchglen Care Centre in Fishcross.

The new tool has already helped long term resident Andrew Clark, a retired charge nurse who worked at Stirling Royal Infirmary, who has had a persistent problem with ulcers.

Visiting NHS Forth Valley consultant Dr Robert Prempeh said Mr Clark's problem has been present for more than a year, but with 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 light therapy system emits light that is 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).

Lorena Love, care home manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have this pioneering piece of equipment which will help in the treatment of a range of painful skin conditions at this and our neighbouring homes.”