A negative pressure bandage is formed in a two chamber configuration having a lower chamber from which fluids and exudates are collected from an open wound on the patient and an upper chamber that is used to store the collected fluids and exudates removed by an application of a vacuum to the lower chamber. An impermeable layer separates the upper and lower chambers to keep the wound dry and promote healing. A vacuum port interconnects a fluid collection member located in the lower chamber with the upper chamber to allow the application of a vacuum that collects and removes fluids and exudates from the lower chamber. The vacuum pump can be remote and attached to the bandage by tubing or be incorporated into the bandage to provide a self-contained negative pressure bandage. An absorptive pad can be located in the upper chamber to collect and gel the collected fluids.
