When Cuts Can't Heal

Wound care at Memorial Hospital can help.

For most people, cuts and scratches heal within days or weeks. But for those whose natural healing process is hampered by diabetes, poor circulation and other conditions, a simple sore can become a complex medical problem requiring specialized care.

In these cases, a new service, Wound Care at Memorial, may be able to help. It offers advanced treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, for chronic, nonhealing wounds.

"Our center is completely devoted to healing chronic wounds, combining advanced treatment, education and support to help patients regain their quality of life," says Sharon Alexander, R.N., clinical coordinator of Wound Care at Memorial. "We are excited to be able to provide this much-needed program. Our entire multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses has specialized training in wound care."

The types of wounds treated at the center include diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, open surgical wounds and traumatic wounds. Staff members evaluate each patient to identify any underlying conditions that might slow healing and to plan a personal treatment program. The program may include physical and occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and special devices such as shoes or walkers to both aid in the healing process and prevent future wounds.

For certain nonhealing wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help. This treatment is an innovative procedure in which a patient breathes 100 percent oxygen while enclosed in a pressurized chamber. As a result, the blood carries larger amounts of oxygen to organs and tissues, allowing wounds to heal more rapidly. Wound Care at Memorial has two pressurized chambers and several exam rooms.

"This therapy offers hope to patients whose wounds have been maintained for many years without completely healing," Alexander says.

Wound Care at Memorial will be operated in partnership with Diversified Therapy, a national company that manages wound care centers at 50 hospitals in 21 states.

By Stephanie Thurrott

To learn more about treating wounds that are slow to heal, call (903) 438-4670.