The invention relates to a wound dressing device for securing a dressing inposition on a wound, wherein the wounddressing device comprises: -a retaining device for encompassing a portion ofthe body; a dressing, and; a fastening element that cansecure the dressing in position. The fastening element being configured atleast substantially external to the retaining device, the dressingbeing configured at least substantially internal to the retaining device, suchthat the dressing can be secured to the fastening elementthrough the retaining device. The invention also relates to a method ofapplying the device and to a combined dressing and fasteningelement.